287: gender equality achieved mathematically

The results of an interesting study have just been released, showing that the US gender gap in mathematic achievement appears to have closed. As today's linked article from CBS News reports, a team of researchers analyzed test results for more than 7 million students across ten US states, something that can now be done following test standardization through No Child Left Behind. They found no difference between boys' and girls' results, from second grade through to eleventh. The researchers believe this underscores the argument that expectations, rather than aptitude, have driven girls away from mathematics and related career choices, at least until now. This is important not just for mathematics, but for the way we educate our children. How often do we make assumptions about what kids can do, or who they are? Hope - and equality of opportunity - would seem to arise from a change in attitude. (Photo from AP/CBS.)