Remoteness and access to learning opportunities in the Pacific region

Abstract

The Remoteness and Access to Learning Opportunities in the Pacific Region Study was carried out to investigate whether access to learning opportunities (ALO) is related to the remoteness and isolation of many schools in the Pacific region. The study also profiles the conditions of remote and isolated schools and the ALO for Pacific students. Seven entities (American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, and Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap States of the Federated States of Micronesia) participated in the study. Data were collected from a total of 230 public and private elementary and secondary schools. Analyses were conducted on one composite and three single remoteness variables and 25 ALO indicators. About half of the schools fell in the upper half of a remoteness scale constructed for the study. Some faculty and staff indicators favored remote schools, but some, such as fewer teachers with bachelor's degrees, did not. Remote schools generally had less equipment and fewer student services, but curriculum was not directly affected by remoteness. Recommendations for improving access in the region include: (1) recognize and build upon the fact that remote schools may have certain advantages over less remote schools; (2) put more resources into physical equipment and books for more remote schools; (3) put more resources into student services, especially special education; (4) provide special training for the staff of more remote schools in implementing policies; (5) increase emphasis on staff development; and (6) conduct more in-depth research into the nature of the educational experience in remote isolated schools. Appendixes describe the relationship between remoteness and ALO indicators and present the study instruments. (Contains 90 tables and 17 references.) (SLD