I-Search Proposal

Topic: Boys and Literacy

Questions: When does the trend in boys becoming turned less interested in reading begin? What are some of the reasons why boys become less interested? How can we as teachers help correct this issue?

General Resources: I have found several professional journal articles on my topic

People to Interview:  I plan on interviewing a special education teacher with Portsmouth Public Schools that I have known for while through my mother. She is certified as a reading specialist. I am interviewing her to gain a perspective based on her own experiences with when does the trend begin? What are some of the reasons why boys become less interested? How can we as teachers help correct this issue?

Titles of Articles planned to be used:

Boys and Literacy: Exploring the Issues

Why Boys Fail: Unlearned Literacy

The Problem of Boys’ Literacy Underachievement: Raising Some Questions

How to Maintain School Reading Success: Five Recommendations from a Struggling Male Reader

Notes

I became interested in the topic while reading through our textbook and I was surprised that it was an epidemic. I’m interested to see when this trend starts, why it’s a problem and what can be done to correct this issue. I want model for my students that reading is important and anyone can enjoy reading. I was surprised to find out that boys are becoming less engaged in reading, when I was in school I enjoyed reading and still do today.