Award-winning journalist Peg Tyre to discuss new book, 'The Trouble With Boys', Oct. 28 with local educators, UF students

October 22, 2008

WHO:
Peg Tyre is a prize-winning investigative reporter with Newsweek magazine and the author of the controversial and widely praised book, “The Trouble With Boys: A Surprising Report Card on Our Sons, Their Schools and What Parents and Educators Must Do” (Crown, 2008).

WHAT:
It’s one of the hottest topics in education today. Are boys, as a group, really falling behind in school? Are educators unintentionally doing something to cause the lag – or is the problem in the culture outside the classroom? Newsweek investigative reporter Peg Tyre shook up popular thinking on the subject with her cover story, “The Boy Crisis.” Now she has penned a book, The Trouble with Boys, which further explores the topic.

The Lastinger Center for Learning at the University of Florida is hosting Tyre for two speaking engagements in Gainesville on Tuesday, Oct. 28—a morning presentation for Alachua County principals, school counselors and psychologists, and an afternoon symposium and panel discussion at UF’s College of Education for students and faculty.

UF Education Professor Mary Ann Clark, an internationally known researcher on gender differences in education achievement, will introduce Tyre and open each event with a discussion of her gender-learning studies in the Alachua County school system. Tyre and Clark became acquainted while Tyre was researching and writing her book.

WHEN / WHERE:

• 7:30 – 9 a.m.: A breakfast lecture and book-signing for Alachua County School Board education leaders; Savannah Grande meeting hall, 301 N. Main Street, Gainesville.
• 4:30 – 6 p.m.: Symposium (panel discussion and book-signing) for UF education students and faculty; Terrace Room at UF’s Norman Hall courtyard, 605 SW 13th Street, Gainesville

INTERVIEW AVAILABILITY:

• Peg Tyre will be available for media interviews for up to one hour after the morning lecture, and 30 minutes after the afternoon symposium.
• ALSO, one-on-one, 30-minute interview slots with Peg Tyre can be reserved at UF’s College of Education from 11-12:30 and from 2:30-4 p.m. Call LARRY LANSFORD at the college’s News & Communications Office at 392-0726, ext. 266, no later than noon on Monday, Oct. 27, to reserve an interview time slot. First come, first serve.

(NOTE: UF offices are closed this Friday, Oct. 24, for Homecoming.)

NOTE:
Peg Tyre and UF Professor Mary Ann Clark also will be speaking Monday, Oct. 27, 7-8 p.m. at the Buchholz High School PTSA meeting. The public is invited and the event is free.