What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to explore achievement gaps by gender from kindergarten to fifth grade among U.S. students.

June 27, 2026

Gender Gaps in Early Grades: Questioning Whether Schools Disadvantage Young Boys

Key Points

The aim is to explore achievement gaps by gender from kindergarten to fifth grade among U.S. students.
Analyzed data from nearly 12 million U.S. students across nine kindergarten cohorts.
Focused on achievement trends in math and reading from kindergarten through fifth grade.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, girls had an initial advantage in both reading and math.
Boys consistently outperformed girls in math skills, while girls retained a lead in reading.
Gender gaps in achievement challenge the belief that boys are disadvantaged in early schooling.

Abstract

This study examined the development of achievement differences by gender from kindergarten through fifth grade using data from almost 12 million U.S. students across nine kindergarten cohorts. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, girls entered school ahead in both subjects, but their math advantage has diminished over time. Boys consistently surpassed girls in math skills during elementary school, while girls maintained a steady lead in reading. These findings challenge assumptions about an early schooling disadvantage for boys and highlight persistent, subject-specific gender gaps. We argue for targeted instructional strategies to support boys’ reading development and counteract stereotypes that may hinder girls’ math achievement.

اسأل الذكاء الاصطناعي

Bookmark