Michigan State University Extension
Diversity and Pluralism - D1120060
12/95/
ERIC TITLE NUMBER: ED338456 AUTHOR: McCracken, J. David; Barcinas, Jeff David T.
TITLE: High School and Student Characteristics in Rural and
Urban Areas of Ohio.
YEAR PUBLISHED: (1991)
NOTE: 10 p.; In: School and Community Influences on
Occupational and Educational Plans of Rural Youth. Ohio
Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1991, p43-50;
see RC 018 361.
ABSTRACT: This paper examines the relationships between
school location (urban versus rural) and students'
occupational and educational aspirations. It also explores
the relationships between student background factors and
location of school. The sample consisted of 529 seniors in
the class of 1989 in 10 rural high schools, and 718 seniors
in 5 urban high schools. Data were obtained by a
questionnaire survey and a review of academic records.
Large differences were found between urban and rural school
characteristics. Urban schools were larger; had more
teachers, administrators, and support staff; and offered
more courses and extra-curricular activities. They were
also more costly to operate on a per-pupil expenditure
basis. Rural students appeared to be fairly homogeneous,
while the urban students seemed to have a greater mix of
race and cultures. The high school curricula in the urban
schools emphasized either academic education or vocational
education. Few students were in what might be called a
general curriculum. However, one-fourth of the students in
the rural schools were enrolled in the general curriculum.
Socioeconomic status scores were much lower for families in
rural areas than for families in urban areas. Most students
planned to advance their education beyond high school.
Students from urban and rural areas differed little in
their levels of occupational aspirations; however, students
in rural areas have lower income expectations. It is
recommended that the positive features of rural and urban
schools be combined. (KS)
KEY DESCRIPTORS: High-Schools; Parent-Aspiration;
Socioeconomic-Background
KEY DESCRIPTORS: *Academic-Aspiration;
*High-School-Seniors; *Institutional-Characteristics;
*Occupational-Aspiration; *Rural-Urban-Differences;
*Student-Characteristics
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