KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: Math Stereotype

For years, girls have been steadily catching up to boys in their scores on standardized math tests.  But, according to a new study by the University of Washington, children as young as the second grade say they believe that boys have an easier time with math than boys.  The kids say that message comes to them from our culture.  In this new study, children sorted four kinds of words on a computer screen.  The words were: boys names, math words and reading words.  Boys associated math with their gender, while girls associated math with boys.  The survey also revealed that some parents buy into the stereotype as well.  Children can pick up on even subtle ways that parents, teachers and relatives treat boys and girls differently.  Being acutely aware of those possible differences should help girls feel better about their abilities.  Experts say parents need to make sure they offer the same opportunities to girls that they do boys.  Teachers also say that if your child is struggling with math, you should get them help as soon as the problem develops.