Fathers In Schools And Education Of Boys

The Press, March 12, 2004: Fathers are being encouraged to take a much stronger role in their sons' education in a radical move at two of Christchurch's boys' schools.

Christchurch Boys' High School and Shirley Boys' High School want fathers or a "significant male" to take responsibility for their sons' education.

Both schools are involved in the Good Man project run by former prison head Celia Lashlie who is working with students at 24 New Zealand boys' schools...

www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,2842565a10,00.html*

Some interesting summary findings from the National Center for Education Statistics (USA)... Major Conclusions (22 April, 2004):

• The involvement of fathers, as well as mothers, in their children's schools is important for children's achievement and behavior.
• Fathers in two-parent families have relatively low levels of involvement in their children’s schools.
• Single mothers and fathers are involved in their children’s schools.
• Children benefit when their nonresident fathers participate in their schools, not when their fathers just maintain contact with them.
• School climate is related to parental involvement...

nces.ed.gov/pubs98/fathers

Dr. John Langley, Principal , Auckland College of Education commenting in The New Zealand Herald, June 13, 2003: "...I do not in any way criticise the positive campaigns to improve the lot of girls and women. It had always been neglected and in many areas there is still a way to go - for example, in salaries.

"My concern is that while all of this has been happening, we have not noticed the gradual and insidious decline in the fortunes and welfare of our boys and young men..."

www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=3506883

By Bettina Arndt in the Sydney Morning Herald, 20 March, 2003: Support for men in non-traditional employment... Barriers to be overcome in getting men into teaching...

www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/03/19/1047749828325.html