Girls at Risk: Women Leaders

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Girls at Risk Women Leaders

• Dr. Sonia V. Gonsalves
• Professor of Psychology
• The Richard Stockton College of NJ

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Introduction
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Risk Factors for Girls

• Academic
• inappropriate expectations
• Fear of failure
• Social
• Relationship
• Belonging
• Health
• Physical
• mental

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Academic Risk Factors

• Poor academic preparation
• Overcommitted
• Transitional status
• Undiagnosed learning differences
• Lack of persistence on tasks
• Gender bias
• Different tasks, expectations, levels of
  interaction

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Social Risk Factors

• Poor self efficacy
• Neglected or rejected status
• Early maturing
• Abusive relationships
• Victims of bullying
• Older peers

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Self-Esteem Across Life Span
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Health Risk Factors

• Risky behaviors
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Substance abuse
• DUI
• Poor nutrition
• Eating disorders
• Too little exercise
• Obesity

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Alcohol Use
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Alcohol Use
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Smoking
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Gender Differences in Depression

• Depression is more common in high school than in
  middle school
• By age 15, girls have twice the rate of
  depression that boys do
• Depression in female adolescents often goes
  undiagnosed

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Theres Good News

• Girls are achieving leading
• Girls are better students, earning better grades
  and reading better
• Fewer learning differences
• NJ HSPA test scores
• College admissions for girls continue to increase

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2005 NJ HSPA
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Gender at Howell

• What gender differences have you observed in
• Academic motivation and achievement
• Class participation and preparation
• What would you say are the gender concerns at
  Howell?
• How have you set examples of competence for girls
  to follow or supported girls in any way?

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Howell Dropout Rate
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Teachers Help

• Employ inclusive pedagogy
• Mentoring and encouragement
• Maintaining high expectations
• Look out for tell-tale signs of disengagement
• Call home
• Reject stereotypes
• Create community

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Recent Research March 2006Perspectives on High
School Dropouts

• Why do students drop out?
• 47 of dropouts say classes werent interesting
• 38 said that they had too much freedom
• What are dropouts experiences?
• 88 had passing grades
• And now?
• 81 regret their decision

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Characteristics of Women Leaders

• Set goals
• Behave in a way thats consistent with values
• Show self confidence
• Good time management skills
• Invest in your personal well being
• Build support networks

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Teachers as Leaders

• Educational reform
• Role models
• Building skill and confidence in students
• Changing culture

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Frances Perkins 1882 - 1965

• First woman to hold a cabinet position in the US
  Social Security

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Dr. Helen Rodriguez-Trias 1929 - 2001

• Fought to abolish involuntary sterilization

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Mother Jones 1837 - 1930

• Workers rights

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Fannie Lou Hamer 1917 - 1977

• Civil Rights Activist

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Women Builders of Communities and Dreams 2006

• Women Builders of Communities and Dreams Contest
  
• Possible project ideas
• Interview women and publish in school newspapers
• Create a photo display or web site
• Write a song or a drama presentation
• Plan an event