Citation

Wolfle JA. Roeper Review 1991; 13(4): 181-184.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991)

DOI

10.1080/02783199109553353

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

DISCUSSION of underachieves often overlooks gifted high school males achieving well, but not near the academic levels of which they are capable. An even larger problem is their lack of social skill which prevents them from participating in those high school activities which prepare young people for leadership roles later in life. Adolescence, a time of great change, demands that effective coping mechanisms be well developed before the additional stresses of high school. Adults need to recognize the importance of social skill development and actively encourage advanced young males to become involved in both academic and social growth activities. Underachievement by high school students has been a topic of concern for some time, but most of this concern has been directed toward extreme underachievers who receive low or failing grades, drop out of school, or even commit suicide (Farrell, 1989; Rimm, 1989). Underachievement is often overlooked in male students who achieve at good levels but are capable of achieving at superior levels. These students tend to escape criticism, but lack the encouragement from parents and teachers which might spur them on to the academic success commensurate with their ability. © 1991 Roeper City and Country School, Michigan.

Language: en