Through international studies done between the early 60s and 2000 by the IEA and the OECD on reading comprehension, math and science, we looked at the evolution of the difference in educational achievement between boys and girls. The main results of the analyses were as follows:

• Globally, girls surpass boys in reading, and boys surpass girls and math and science.

• The gap between boys and girls in scientific subjects lessened over time, but did not disappear.

• In terms of methodology, it is difficult to determine if the evolution observed correspond to a real reduction in the gap, or are a function of how the successive studies were set up and conducted.

• Girls can surpass boys in certain mathematical and scientific disciplines (physics, biology and chemistry).

• Performance difference between the sexes accentuates with age.

• The attitudes and interests of boys and girls in relation to reading, math and sciences are different, and the gap increases with age.

• Attitudes are more stereotyped in mixed learning groups.