Editorial: Gender gap closes in math, sciences

The good news is that girls today are taking more math and science classes than they were six years ago, according to the American Association of University Women. Girls also are enrolling in more Advanced Placement courses in English, biology and foreign languages. They're even bettering the boys in some other areas: a higher percentage of girls than boys took courses in geometry, biology and chemistry.

The bad news is that while girls are doing much better, the report says a gender gap exists in technology. For instance, an Education Department study found that 30 percent of boys were taking computer science courses, compared with just 25 percent of girls.

A number of strides have been made in encouraging girls to take courses that in the past were considered to be the province of males. Parents, teachers and even the business community need to redouble their efforts, making sure that any invisible walls that discourage girls from pursuing education and careers in math, science and technology are torn down.

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