Improving Educational Outcomes for Rural Students by Building on a School Community's Assets, Strengths, and Resources

Abstract

The Rural Schools Association (RSA) of New York is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1978 to address the concerns and needs of rural and small school districts of New York State (NYS). Rural communities and schools are often portrayed as having limited access to assets and resources compared to their urban and suburban counterparts. Few studies to date have looked at approaches on how to identify and leverage local assets and resources in rural schools. My investigation draws on conceptual elements from Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD). ABCD is a philosophy and approach that focuses on recognizing and mobilizing a community's assets, resources, and strengths to effect positive change. For key challenges, school staff including teachers, administrators, and support staff referenced communication as a significant challenge for teachers and administrators. For key strengths, respondents often referenced local business as a community asset that can be tapped into to further support student educational experiences. For asset-based activities currently practicing, school staff agreed that they use innovative teaching techniques, such as collaborative teaching and project-based learning. For asset-based activities not currently practicing, respondents disagreed that they organize workshops that cover topics relevant to parents’ interests and concerns.