Enhancing Student Achievement in Mathematics: Identifying the Needs of Rural and Regional Teachers in Australia

Abstract

This paper presents results from a survey of secondary mathematics teachers in rural, regional and metropolitan schools across Australia. The purpose of the survey was to compare the major needs of teachers in relation to the attraction and retention of qualified staff, professional development, availability of material resources and support personnel, and the accessibility of a range of student learning opportunities across the three geographical areas. Although differences emerged for some of these factors, the most significant findings were identified in schools with Indigenous populations of greater than 20%.