Hello!

I teach middle school in a school that separates boys and girls. I have also taught gifted middle schoolers and high schoolers for a while now.

There are a TON of research and resources about boys like yours.

I would start by reading the following two books:

Why Gender Matters
Boys Adrift (http://www.boysadrift.com/)
both are by Dr. Leonard Sax

Dr. Sax is highly respected in gender studies and education. I heard him speak this year, and I was extremely impressed.


Boys at that age disengage for a number of reasons, and there are ways to re-engage them into life. Most of those thing include authentic tasks for him rather than simply encouraging him to work harder. Most boys need more competition than regular public schools are willing to provide. The books I mentioned give many resources for programs that can help you with your boy. Trust me, you are not alone! The goal is for him to grow up to be a strong, loving, educated, intelligent man who can be proud of his life and decisions. That goal is harder now than ever, but it can still be achieved.

Good luck!

Kacie Darden