ERIC Number: EJ1240392
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1839-7387
EISSN: N/A
"Aspire High": Impacting Student Aspirations in a Regional Community
Reaburn, Robyn; Fraser, Sharon; Smith, Heidi; Roberts, Janine; Fielding-Wells, Jill; Corbett, Michael
Australian and International Journal of Rural Education, v27 n3 p73-89 2017
This paper provides initial evidence of the effectiveness of an educational program in a Tasmanian regional community that has experienced ongoing industrial restructuring. In response to these changes, community and civic leaders adopted a multifaceted strategic plan to address employment needs and opportunities. Part of this plan involved targeting school children to help them explore a broader range of educational and career options. The program, "Aspire High," involves Year 5 children visiting workplaces, the local Year 11 and 12 college, the local technical college, and a local university campus. This paper reports results from student interviews and surveys. While it is difficult to attribute changes in students' attitudes and aspirations solely to "Aspire High," it is evident that they were enthusiastic about the program. Secondary findings showed that students become less positive towards school by Year 8, and that boys are less likely to be positive towards school and more likely to choose a traditionally gendered occupation.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Rural Education, Program Effectiveness, Career Development, Occupational Aspiration, Elementary School Students, Family Influence, Peer Influence, Career Choice, Gender Differences
Society for the Provision of Education in Rural Australia. P.O. Box 659, Wembly, Western Australia 6913. Tel: +08-9285-0626; e-mail: admin@spera.asn.au; Web site: http://www.spera.asn.au/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A