A new conversation in Virginia is putting an important issue in focus: boys are falling behind in reading, and the gap is wider here than the national average.
At a recent meeting of the Virginia Boys and Men Advisory Commission, education leaders shared that more than half of kindergarten boys in Virginia fall below school-readiness benchmarks, compared with 44% of girls. These early gaps do not disappear on their own. They often continue through elementary and middle school, contributing to lower reading scores, higher dropout rates, and lower college enrollment among young men.
Watch the discussion to learn more about the reading gaps facing boys in Virginia and the early supports that can help change the trajectory.
When children have access to strong early learning experiences, evidence-based literacy instruction, and support from well-prepared educators, they are more likely to build the reading skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Closing these gaps is not about helping one group at the expense of another. It is about ensuring every child has the foundation they need to thrive.
Virginia has an opportunity to lead by investing in early literacy, strengthening teacher preparation, expanding access to high-quality early education, and supporting strategies that help young readers build confidence from the start.
Together, we can help more children become strong readers and build a brighter future for Virginia.