Rural Disadvantaged Middle School Kids

Middle school is at time of transition into adolescence, as students undergo significant physical, emotional and psychological changes, as well as a critical juncture for academic decisions regarding post-secondary education. A recent Middle School Poll prepared by the Natioanl Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) carries the following statements in the Executive Summary:

"Information on whether a school is located in an urban, suburban or rural environment was gathered in this survey by asking students to classify their schools as on of the three. Based on the student’s classifications, some findings emerged that show rural students are at a disadvantage in several areas when compared to students in urban and suburban schools. For example, rural students

– tend to grade their schools lower
– use the Internet less
– are less confident will attend college
– are more likely to have parents with a high school education or less."

In conclusion, the report states: "As is most often the case, social-economic status (represented by parents level of education), middle school grades, and sometimes urbanicity or geographic region can affect their chances for success."

The Executive Summary and full report are available at: http://www.pdkintl.org/ms_poll/07ms_poll.pdf

David M. Young, Professor
Rural Health Resource Specialist
Extension Service
Montana State University
e-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 406-994-5552
Fax: 406-994-1756