Addressing the Foundations for Improved Indigenous Secondary Student Outcomes: A South Australian Qualitative Study

Abstract

Abstract It is well documented, that Indigenous students, compared with their non-Indigenous counterparts, attend school less frequently, and are more likely to develop anti-schooling attitudes leading to their early exit from school (Hayes et al., 2009; Gray & Partington, 2003; Hunter & Schwad, 2003). Although research does suggest that there has been some gradual improvements in some areas of education over the years, serious gaps still remain between Indigenous and non-Indigenous student learning outcomes. There is a great need, to build on the more significant research on Indigenous education that is focused on exploring the achievement potentials of Indigenous students to address the foundations for improved Indigenous student outcomes. This paper reports on a South Australian qualitative study based on interviews with 36 Indigenous senior secondary students, on factors which facilitate improved learning and achievement, leading to higher levels of secondary school completion among Indigenous youth.