Small Rural Schools in Austria: Potentials and Challenges

Andrea Raggl

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-18799-6_12

Abstract

AbstractThe author of this chapter analyses the potential and challenges of small rural primary schools. Between 2009 and 2015, researchers of two transnational projects co-operated with partners from Switzerland to carry out studies in small rural schools in Western Austria. Due to topological conditions, small rural primary schools are common in this region, with 43% of primary schools consisting of fewer than 50 pupils. Yet despite this high number, little research had been done previously. The authors of 20 case studies of small rural primary schools in Vorarlberg showed that these schools are a source of both educational opportunities and specific challenges. The author will describe issues informing the work of teachers in these schools, the special situation of rural head teachers, and the struggle to secure the existence of small schools through developing a special profile as Montessori institutions.

Highlights

Many small primary schools can be found in Austria’s rural areas, due both to topological conditions and to hitherto robust political support
With my research into small rural schools in western Austria, I have shown their plurality and how much they differ according to their location, their numbers of pupils and teachers, and whether or not they have to fight for their existence
Smalls schools are portrayed as niches where head teachers can implement pedagogical ideas more than in larger schools

Summary

Introduction

Many small primary schools can be found in Austria’s rural areas, due both to topological conditions and to hitherto robust political support. My focus lies on the characteristics and current situation of small rural primary schools in Austria, the working conditions for head teachers and teachers, as well as the learning context for pupils. The case of the East- Austrian province of Styria exemplifies this very clearly: Implementers of a Regionaler Bildungsplan—a regional education plan—closed 41 small rural primary schools between 2011 and 2014. This policy was part of a larger policy for changing rural communities into bigger units. The authors of a recent report of the Rechnungshof Österreich (Austrian Court of Audit) (2018) are putting pressure on Tyrol and Vorarlberg to close more small schools and to mandate a certain minimum number of pupils per school The authors of a recent report of the Rechnungshof Österreich (Austrian Court of Audit) (2018) are putting pressure on Tyrol and Vorarlberg to close more small schools and to mandate a certain minimum number of pupils per school (p. 62)

Methodology

Findings

Conclusion