Beyond the Divide

Individual, Institutional and Community Capacity Building in a Western Australian Regional Context

Authors

  • John Smyth Texas State University
  • Barry Down Murdoch University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47381/aijre.v14i2.505

Keywords:

community capacity, institutional capacity, educational engagement, adolescents

Abstract

This paper describes the early bcginnings and some preliminary theorising of the complexities involved in obtaining a clearer understanding of schooling for young adolescents in regional and rural scttings. We explain how our thinking is developing
around ways to approach some case study schools and "their communities that are advancing on the idea of learning as a form of regional and rural engagement. The central theoretical construct is how educational 'capacity building' that engages young
people works against the prcvailing trend of increasing numbers of young people leaving school prematurely. This construct is illustrated by reference to the complex and diverse situations and necds of young pcoplc in the KwinanaJRockingham area of the
Fremantle-Peel Education District in Western Australia. 

Author Biographies

John Smyth, Texas State University

John Smyth holds the Roy F. & Joann Cole Mitte Endowed Chair in School Improvement, Texas State University, San Marcos. At the time of writing this paper, he was Research Professor, Institute for the Service Professions, Edith Cowan University, Adjunct Professor, Charles Darwin University and Professorial Fellow, University of Ballarat. He is author/editor of 15 books.

Barry Down, Murdoch University

Barry Down is Associate Professor and Associate Dean at the Rockingham campus of Murdoch University, Western Australia. His research interests include teacher development, critically reflective practice and  socially just schooling

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Published

01-07-2004

How to Cite

Smyth, J., & Down, B. (2004). Beyond the Divide: Individual, Institutional and Community Capacity Building in a Western Australian Regional Context. Australian and International Journal of Rural Education, 14(2), 54–68. https://doi.org/10.47381/aijre.v14i2.505