Nationwide, the gap between boys and girls has been widening.

Both academically and behaviorally, the male student population has been lagging behind their female classmates.

Grand Meadow Public Schools staff have been studying this phenomenon, as addressed in the book “Boys Adrift.” The author, a psychologist and single sex education expert, theorizes there are five reasons for the downfall of boys in school, including the proliferation of cell phones in school and prescription medication, such as Ritalin.

Although not all boys are performing poorly — obviously there are many who excel in their school careers — Grand Meadow is taking a very innovative look at this problem by separating four junior high classes by gender.

Piloting these classes may be at least a step in the right direction for the district, which will have 10 of its 13 grades with a male majority this fall. Their boys have been performing below the state average academically, and are often lagging behind girls in testing.

Cheers to this district for seeing a problem, researching it and applying what they have learned to try and make a difference. Whether or not their trial will succeed remains to be seen, but they are thinking outside the box to help their students achieve success.