Declining rates of achievement and retention: the perceptions of adolescent males

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of how adolescent males view their educational experiences and their responses to those experiences. In particular, the report provides a summary of the views of adolescent males about their declining retention and achievement and ways in which their educational outcomes may be improved. The research was based on a literature review, an introductory questionnaire to schools, a one day conference with staff from participating schools and interviews with 1800 male students in South Australia, a third of whom were identified as being at risk of not completing high school. The findings of the study raise questions about teacher education and the professional development of teachers. The report is structured as follows: Introduction; Identifying the issues and the appropriate methodology; What the boys are saying: an overview; Gender equity?; Teachers and schooling; The downward spiral of disaffection; The curriculum turns out to be what happens in the classroom; Retention; Three versions of a ‘better place’; The paradox of achievement: the unrecognised CV; Conclusion. Also included are two appendices: The views of other student groups; The quantitative methodology and data analysis. Show less