The Impact of Aboriginal Education Assistants (AEAS) in New South Wales Public Schools
Abstract
A considerable amount of research attests to the difficulties experienced by Aboriginal students in the school system of New South Wales. Coker (1981) states that Aboriginal students more than any other identificable group in Australia score consistently lower in basic skills tests involving reading, writing and mathematics. McConnochie (1973) suggests that the failure of Aboriginal students at school is primarily the fault of the school system and not the student. Institutions tend to debase the student’s self-concept and the group with whom they identify. This process contributed to the students’ low self-esteem and further contributed to low vocational aspirations and academic achievement.
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