Issues related to students' decisions to remain in school beyond year 10

This paper reports on outcomes of a pilot study implemented to assess items to be used in a large study of retention in Tasmanian State schools. Ninety-four students in Years 5 and 9/10 completed a survey devised to measure various categories of issues associated with students’ decisions to remain in school after Year 10. Similarities were found between the two year levels in relation to aspirations of students, parents, and teachers but differences were found in relation to topics related to the school environment. As well, some differences were found associated with absence from school. The outcomes of the pilot study serve as preliminary benchmarks for the larger study