By John Lorinc
Globe and Mail Update

Failing Boys

There's plenty of evidence, anecdotal and statistical, to suggest that many boys aren't getting involved after the bell rings

Catherine Hatton, a Sturgeon Falls, Ont., high school teacher, has taught drama for years and she knows the gender splits can be formidable. In a class of 27 this year, she's got just six boys.

But when she gets around to doing the casting call for the annual school play, Ms. Hatton has no intention of mounting a production of Seven Brides for Two Brothers. Rather, she'll go out and lean on the boys to audition, targeting both the jocks (whose participation helps make drama acceptable for other boys) as well as kids who may be shy, un-athletic or simply in need of "a bit of a push."

Does that teacherly tap on the shoulder make a difference in participation rates? "Oh, absolutely," she replies. "I had one boy who was hesitant all through, and this year he's directing his own play."... READ MORE...