2011 atsi pathways - a family dinner evaluation report€¦ · seymour college (independent) st...

2011 ATSI Pathways - a Family Dinner

Evaluation Report

Photo provided by: Ivan & Mia Copley

For further information, please contact: AITEC Pty Ltd Western Futures Inc Unit 4, 122-130 Carrington Street Adelaide SA 5000 26 Stirling Street, Thebarton SA 5031 Telephone 08 8232 9688 Fax 08 8232 9699 Telephone 08 354 4214 Fax 08 8354 4216 [email protected] [email protected]

Table of Contents

Overview 1

“ATSI Pathways – a family dinner” Features 2

“ATSI Pathways – a family dinner” Participation 2

Key Outcomes for the Stakeholders 4

Participant Feedback 5

A. Student Responses to Statements 5

B. Students’ responses to open-ended questions 9

C. Parent, educator, business and community responses to statements 14

D. Non-student responses to open-ended questions 17

Other Observations and Anecdotal Reports 28

Conclusion 28

AITEC Corporate Education & Consulting Western Futures 2011 ATSI Pathways

Page 1

Overview “ATSI Pathways – a family dinner” was selected as the most appropriate model through which we could engage the Aboriginal community in a special and memorable way to inspire young Aboriginal people for educational attainment and transition. Families, school communities and business representatives could enjoy a meal together with youth and, at the same time, discuss and contemplate future possibilities and their aspirations. This concept initially called “ATSI Career Pathways Dinner” was presented for the first time in 2010 and continued in 2011 under the name of “ATSI Pathways – a family dinner”, with the main objective of improving youth attainment within the Aboriginal communities of Adelaide Western, Eastern and Hills by: • inspiring continued engagement in education through the success of other Aboriginal youth; • enhancing awareness of options into further education, apprenticeships & traineeships and even

employment opportunities; and • strengthening the capacity of business & community organisations’ members, educators and parents

to provide support. This initiative was undertaken as a collaborative venture by Western Futures and AITEC. The 2010-11 “ATSI Pathways – a family dinner” experiences were also supported by many industry/government/community contributors and sponsors such as: Aboriginal Centre for Information & Arts in SA Interwork ABS Life Without Barriers Adelaide Airport Maxima AFL Sports Ready PEER Training Alzheimer’s Australia SA Inc tafeSA Anglicare SA Taoundi College Australia Post The Australian Broadcasting Corporation Centacare The Lakes Resort Hotel Drug and Alcohol Services TSFTF DECS Turkindi DFEEST Qantas Edmund Rice Camps UniSA Employment Options, as the Adelaide Hills Youth Connections service provider

Workskil, as the Adelaide Eastern and Western Youth Connections service provider

YWCA Relations with several of these organisations have evolved such that they are starting to operate as partners taking ownership of the objective by organising speakers and providing employment and training opportunities for young people. A critical success factor of the dinner format is its role in seating Aboriginal students, their parents, carers and guardians, teachers and government/community/industry representatives around the same table to share a meal in an environment where the experiences and information shared by the various speakers can be discussed, clarified and explored. The use of Aboriginal young people as presenters and speakers describing their experiences, challenges, frustrations and career journeys has an exceptional influence on young Aboriginal people and their parents. In 2011, an Aboriginal parent of a former apprentice (who was a speaker last year and now has been hired by one of the sponsor companies) presented his experiences in supporting his son and shared some tips with other parents to help their children developing useful skills at school and beyond. Young attendees confirmed that they will strive to remain at school and complete their secondary education. They also indicated that there has been a significant increase in their future aspirations as a result of hearing from other young people who have prevailed, despite difficulties and challenges, and succeeded in completing their education, moving on to further education, university and/or the workforce.


Page 2

“ATSI Pathways – a family dinner” Features This initiative comprised: • young Aboriginal people who shared their journey through schools and other activities; • speakers who talked about apprenticeship/traineeships, VET and university programs; • a mini Expo for Aboriginal youth which gave them the opportunity to speak with staff from Group

Training organisations, tafeSA, UniSA and a number of employers that are committed to employing ATSI young people;

• entertainment provided by a traditional family dance group “Kuma Karro”, which translates to One Blood – organised by Jack Buckskin (2011 SA Young Australian of the Year and Aboriginal officer in Western Region), and a young Aboriginal singer who was herself an inspiration for others; and

• young Aboriginal people sharing a meal with family, other Aboriginal students from 25 schools and Aboriginal leaders and elders with an overt context of educational attainment and transition.

Feedback from the event highlights that the format has fantastic success with parents who have expressed they will have greater involvement and participation in their children’s education and career development as a result of the ATSI Pathways Dinner. The model used for this project has exceeded success rates of other models in attracting attendance, engagement and participation by the ATSI community, which has commended Western Futures and AITEC for this success.

“ATSI Pathways – a family dinner” Participation Schools from the Western Region participating each year:

2010 School 2011 Bowden Brompton Community School (DECS) ��

�� Findon High School (DECS)

�� Henley High School (DECS) ��

�� Immanuel College (Independent) ��

�� Le Fevre High School (DECS) ��

Le Fevre Primary School (DECS) ��

�� Mt Carmel College (Catholic) ��

�� OceanView College (DECS) ��

�� Portside Christian College

�� Ross Smith Secondary (DECS)

�� Seaton High School (DECS)

Tauondi College (Independent) ��

�� Underdale High School (DECS)

�� Warriapendi (DECS)

William Light School (DECS) ��

�� Wiltja Program (DECS)

�� Woodville High School (DECS) ��


Page 3

Schools from Adelaide Eastern and Hills Region participating each year

2010 School 2011 Adelaide High School (DECS) ��

�� Charles Campbell Secondary School (DECS)

�� Heathfield High School (DECS) ��

Marryatville High School (DECS) ��

�� Mt Barker High School (DECS) ��

Mt Barker Primary School (DECS) ��

Mt Barker Voc College (DECS) ��

�� Oakbank Area School (DECS) ��

�� Open Access College (DECS)

�� Rostrevor College (Catholic) ��

Seymour College (Independent) ��

St Aloysius College (Catholic) ��

�� St Peters College (Independent)

�� Stirling East Primary School (DECS)

tafeSA (Mt Barker) ��

�� Youth Education Centre (DECS)

Other schools participating each year:

2010 School 2011 Belair Primary School (DECS) ��

�� Murraylands Christian College (Lutheran)

The Heights School (DECS) ��

Valley View School (DECS) ��

�� Windsor Gardens Vocational College (DECS)

Sacred Heart College (catholic) ��

Participants:

2010 Types of Stakeholders 2011 5 DEEWR and DECS representatives 3 7 Partnership Broker staff 5 20 RTOs, Community and Business representatives 25 14 Speakers 9 44 Principals, Teachers, Career Counsellors, VET

Coordinators, Apprenticeship Brokers, Youth Workers, Aboriginal Education/Inclusion Officers or Teachers

40

67 Parents / Guardians 46 108 Students/former students and performers 107 265 235*

* The number attending was greater than this record due to the fact that additional unexpected people attended (estimated at around 15) and could not be identified.


Page 4

Key Outcomes for the Stakeholders Through this experience, parents and families were involved in supporting the students or former students by attending with them and engaging with education, industry and community organisations. Parents also participated as speakers talking about their experiences in guiding their children to remain at school, attain Year 12 and transition into further learning and employment. Business and industry participated through leading table discussions, providing information at stalls and delivering presentations about training and employment opportunities. Aboriginal community leaders and elders took the opportunity to connect with Aboriginal young people and their families reinforcing the importance of cultural identity in successful attainment. Educators participated by supporting their students to attend, supporting learning as table facilitators and by expanding their knowledge and connections with the wider Aboriginal community. According to the evaluation forms given by stakeholders participating in 2011: • 83% of the students were encouraged by the experience to remain at school or continue their

learning;

• 90% of the students said that “ATSI Pathways” has helped them to learn about what they need to do for their future education;

• 89% of parents, 91% of community organisations' members and business representatives and 100% of teachers reported that they will improve their support to their Aboriginal students/children as a result of ATSI Pathways.

• 100% of parents, teachers and business representatives agreed that information presented was relevant for Aboriginal students and families and that the whole experience was a valuable way of encouraging them.


Page 5

Participant Feedback

In 2011, 96 feedback sheets were gathered, including 45 questionnaires from students, 19 from parents/guardians, 17 from educators, 11 from community/business or government representatives and 4 invalid forms due to missing information. NOTE: In the graphs below… • the Top 2 boxes (Strongly Agree and Agree) have been used to make graphs and comparisons,

unless otherwise indicated. • the score is the average response per question. Its scale is 1-5 where 5 is the maximum.

A. Student Responses to Statements

Further Learning Awareness

This experience encouraged me to remain at school a nd/or continue my learning

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2010

2011

2010 score= 3.92 2011 score= 4.22

• In 2010, 76% of the students agreed or strongly agreed that “ATSI Pathways” encouraged them to

continue their learning. In 2011, a slightly larger proportion of students (83%) indicated so.

• The average response was almost 4 out of 5 last year increasing to 4.22.


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“ATSI Pathways” has helped me learn about what I ne ed to do for my future education

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2010

2011

2010 score= 3.9 2011 score= 4.2

• In 2010, 72% of students (~38 students) stated that this experience helped them to know about what

they needed for their future education but in 2011, 90% of the students agreed or strongly agreed. Learning Resources & Opportunities

I have learnt about where can I find resources to h elp me continue my education

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2010

2011

2010 score= 3.9 2011 score= 4.0 • The proportion of students agreeing or strongly agreeing about having learnt where to find resources

for continuing their education increased from 70% to 80%.


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I am now going to search for further learning oppor tunities

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2010

2011

2010 Score= 3.9 2011 score= 4.2 • The proportion of students interested in searching for further learning opportunities after the “ATSI

Pathways dinner” jumped from 64% to 88% agreeing or strongly agreeing so. Information provided / Speakers

I found the speakers’ experiences useful for my edu cation or training choices

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2010

2011

2010 score= 3.8 2011 score= 4.2 • In 2010, 60% of the students found that the career pathways experiences of the speakers were useful

for their education or training choices. An increase of 28 percentage points was obtained in 2011 for this topic, with 88% of students finding the speakers’ experiences useful for their learning. In consequence, the average score was improved this year as well.


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The information provided here stressed the importan ce of making an informed career choice

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

2010

2011

2010 score= 3.9 2011 score= 4.0 • Last year, 70% of students agreed or strongly agreed about being aware, by means of the information

provided during the event, of the importance of making an informed career choice. In comparison, in 2011 80% did.

Reason for attending In 2011, my main reason for attending was to learn about: (multiple responses per student) 2011 2010 Further education and training 27 responses 44% 75% Employment/Work opportunities 21 responses 34% Completing school 14 responses 22%

In 2010, a similar item with a Likert scale (Strongly Agree… Strongly disagree) was included instead of giving the abovementioned options. The statement was “The main reason for attending was to find out about education and/or training opportunities”. The students’ response last year indicated that three quarters of them (75% agreed or strongly agreed) noted further education and/or training opportunities as their main reason for attending. This shift may reflect the younger cohort of students attending (including some from primary schools) as well as a broader range of interests. In the survey forms of 2010, it was interesting to note that virtually the same proportion of neutral responses has been obtained in all the questions related to continued education or further learning, which may suggest a niche of students who were either undecided about their future career pathways or planning to enter into the workforce.


Page 9

B. Students’ responses to open-ended questions

As a result of tonight’s experience, one thing I am going to do is… (No. of responses)

Responses from both years 2010 2011 Go back to school and continue!/ Stay at school/ Finish YR12/ Go to Uni 9 9 Focus upon what my future career is going to be/ Work on my pathway 4 1 Explore more possibilities in life and achieve more/ Learn more about pathways 4 2 Look into different courses & career options 3 1 Apply for TAFE/ Go through VET or PEER courses/ Get an apprenticeship or trade 3 2 Think about what to do/ Look at several career paths after completing YR12 2 2 Research future job pathways 2 Research about certain universities / Apply for University courses 2 5 Study harder/ Be persistent/ Seek more help/ Gain information – further assistance 2 7 Other: 9 7

� Get my ASBA � Go to the Employment Expo � Be organised/ Set goals for myself � Don’t take things for granted � Nothing, I was already aware about everything said today � Take in all information / Read a lot of pamphlets � Follow my dreams in my future / focus on my future � Do my homework � Get a job asap � Find a way to become successful � Play professional cricket

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

1

1

1 2

1 1

Two best aspects of “ATSI Pathways” (Multiple respo nses)

Responses from both years 2010 2011 Guest Young Speakers (“They were inspirational and relevant; they provided unique insights into experiences. their speeches about their pathways experiences and how they completed YR12; advice given by them, their actual stories, choices and outcomes of their decisions; they are our age and easier to relate to, than someone who is older; they inspired me; their speeches were extremely informant and engaging, providing many opportunistic pathways; they show us that it is possible; they have already been through it all and know what we need to know; the guest speakers that are at school/just started Uni and addressed the difficulties they had that were honest, it made me feel like people do understand; particularly good speeches from Coby, Dwayne, Matthew Rankine and Emily; I know what I can do”).

27 13

Information provided (“Speech on Government choices; plenty of info on careers; the fact that it informed us about pathways and many options after school, about the apprenticeships and Tjimarri because he graduated from Henley High; help is always available. Always someone to care about "you")

8 6

Food/ Dinner menu (“Brilliant;10/10; top quality; free food/dinner”)

8 6

Refreshing the Aboriginal Cultures 1 Performers - Catherine Sumner in 2010 and Jack Buckskin and Ellie Lovegrove in 2011 (“The Aboriginal dance; performances”)

5 2


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The Expo/ People from different employment agencies / Job opportunities (“I found the expo to be extremely evident in providing information on alternate educational choices; the stalls; the UniSA stand, the mini Expo for the info I gained”)

2 5

Uni (“Because I want to learn more and study about what I want to do with my life; because I want to learn and study business”)

2

Handouts 1 Meeting others from other schools (“nice people”)

2

Not sure; unsure, loved it all 4 It all was good 1 1

Question 16. What improvement would you like to see… (No. of res ponses)

Responses from both years 2010 2011 None (“Nothing; it was all good; it was great; none it was a well done to me; good evening, should continue; it was spot on; everything was perfect”).

11 9

Other Unis (“I would like to see other unis such as Flinders and more info about unis rather than tafe or apprenticeships/traineeships; more types of universities; Some more university choices and what they offer, maybe some interstate universities”)

3

Information provided (“Information from a wider range of organisations, a sports speech; more people to talk about apprenticeships; more career options; more information on the universities and courses available, more academic support, more emphasis on potential services offered at a tertiary level; Defence apprenticeships”)

5 4

Speakers (“Getting the audience involved; more interaction with the people”) 3 Dinner menu (Bigger meals and indigenous food eg. Kangaroo; better dessert”) 3 More seating / Seating arrangements 2 Recognised Indigenous people (“Maybe a few of them to give speech; maybe everyone should do an Aboriginal dance”)

2

Less talking (“It drag on. Could of made it 'sharp')

2 1

ATSI Pathways’ delivery (“Turn the volume up, sometimes you could not hear the speakers; smoother running of slideshow”)

1 1

Better host 1 More time for networking (“Maybe a little more time to speak with others on the table, as well as more time to observe and interact with the mini expo”.)

1

Culture “revival” (“More culture refreshing to help ones that have lost it and guess their background and history”)

1

More receptive kids (“To see all the kids to get all the information in what they are saying”)

1

More entertainment 1 Help making a resume 1


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Question 17. Would you recommend this event? Why? In 2010, 80% of students recommended “ATSI Pathways” to others for the following reasons: 2010 Comments • “Because it was very useful to help me decide what to do when I finish school”; “because it motivates

young people to get an education & complete their schooling. It also helps us to see other people & hear their stories”.

• “It really informs you about future career choices after school and why it is important to have an education”; “it really gets you thinking and gives good advice”; ‘it makes people aware of events & the help that is out there & helps you with your career pathways”.

• “I would recommend this event to other Indigenous people as it was a very informative & good opportunity to learn what to prepare for in the future”; “to encourage young Aboriginal students to stay in school so that they achieve higher marks to continue their chosen career choice”

• “It will be a good opportunity to figure out what they would want to do in life” • “This event will help people to be informed and find better opportunities”; “it enables students &

parents to find groups/businesses that provide help & support services”; “students and teachers can be more informed about career options“; ‘it's interesting & it 'opens your eyes' & shows you the support you wouldn't even know you had”.

• “Because the event has a lot of information for young Indigenous and useful information that others could use in the future”; “lots of information provided”; “very educational”

• “Good information evening”; ‘Very well organised”; “it is beneficial & inspiring” There was no negative response to this question. 2011 Comments In 2011, 76% of students said they would recommend this experience to others for the following reasons: • “Because it is a real eye opener”; because it is a good way to learn about opportunities; it was very

informative; because it gave me inspiration; because it is very useful; it helped me; It is a great dinner, extremely informative and really lets you know that there are choices; helps people find their career choice; because it is very useful for students in younger years who are not yet in year 12; it helps makes choices outside year 12”

• “This event has helped me to understand the different ways I can enter University, as well as the possibility of gaining from traineeships”

• “Because it was quite enjoyable; was a good dinner and it has encouraged me to make something of myself”

• “It’s a really good way to see what opportunities there are available after school; it gives an open mind and helps people understand about the opportunities with education; to show the opportunities there are after completing school; because it will allow others to gain relevant info for further studies”

• “I would recommend it so that younger Indigenous people can learn and understand a lot of different choices; because it has a very strong and good message for young students; so they know all this information”

• “Just in case they don’t know what I do. More information for them” • “It’s good but I suppose needs to be a bit shorter” • “Because the chances that come up during this pathway are unbelievable”


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Question 18. Overall, what do you think about “ATSI Pathways – a family dinner”? Last year 37 comments –all of them positive ones- were collected from students in regard to this question, including: • “I think that it was worth it & I have learnt a lot about other people's experiences & how they managed

to get through year 12” • “ATSI Career Pathways dinner is a great opportunity for Aboriginals & non-Indigenous to come & see

what more opportunities they have” • “I thought it was really good and it inspired me to think about my future and what I want to do”. ;“made

me think about TAFE after Year 12” • “I thought it was a good night, the dinner was good & it was interesting to listen to other people's

speeches”; “I believe that it helps for your future” • “It's a lovely dinner & surroundings. Great presentations & talks, it all was excellent”; “I would love to

do this again”. • “Great experience, made contact with many useful people”; “it is good, meet different indigenous

students”; “it was a good opportunity to meet other people & to hear about what others are doing” • “It was good”; “it was great”; “enjoyed it”; “very good”; “fantastic”; “great informative evening” • “I found the dinner very interesting”. “I particularly enjoyed the SACE graduates speeches, as well as

Coby Edgar, who overcame her nervousness of public speaking to provide the best speech, in my opinion”.

• Comments from two Rostrevor students may lead to an opportunity area for improvement, one indicated that it was an informing event but did not have much information regarding his future aspirations. And another one: “It was okay, but wasn't much help for me”. (Former student said that one improvement to the event could be having more information regarding uni packages and scholarships, and the latter one expressed as an improvement: “Trying to get more people to talk about apprenticeships”).

Comments collected from 29 students in 2011 about the “ATSI Pathways” experience were: • “It was really good it helped me understand what choices I had and let me know that there are plenty

of people who will help me; very informative, discovered a lot more opportunities and career options that I can now look into; it was another good night and the information was good”

• “It gave me information about future employment (2); good way to share experiences and meet new people; it was very good, would have been better if I had more time to talk to the Uni representatives”

• “Very worthwhile; very well presented (2); a very nice night; a good experience; it was really good; good bruz; brilliant (3); was great (2); very helpful; very enjoyable; great food; I think that it is very helpful for me and others”

• “I thought it was a great night that provided students with information about future pathways and hopefully has inspired students to finish year 12 and follow their passion”

• “I think that overall the dinner was a success as majority of the people were greatly intrigued by what students/speakers had to say and with their advice and encouragement”

• “I thought it was quite enjoyable, good conversation, good speakers, good food. Enjoyable dinner, guests too, can we do this next Wednesday? (In reference to a Year 12 concert at Marryatville High School)”

• “I hadn’t learnt anything new. I found more insight and information at other career pathways' events” • “Good but too long” • “I believe the '2011 ATSI Pathways - a family dinner' to be essential in informing students on better

opportunities to complete their studies which in turn would help them in further education possibilities”


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Question from UniSA (for students) Would you like to receive more information about Un iSA’s upcoming events, career information sessions and pathways? Yes/No. Please specify below if there is anything else you would like to find out about UniSA. NOTE: 11 students attending in 2011 requested more information from UniSA. Their names and contact details have been removed due to privacy considerations.

Code Requested information S26 Hair & Beauty, Child Care, Hospitality

S27 I would like to find out more about the scholarships and how to apply

S29

S30 Scholarships

S32

S36

Information on different courses would help the transition from school to later education possibilities.

S37

S38

accommodation - human movement course

S39 Business, Commerce Courses, Accommodation and Scholarships

S43 About the Uni SA drama guild

S45


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C. Parent, educator, business and community respons es to statements

Initiative rating

"ATSI Pathways" met my expectations (Top 2 boxes=Agree+Strongly Agree)

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Business/Comm Rep

Educators

Parents

2011

2010

2010 scores 2011 scores Parents= 4.4 Parents= 4.6 Educators= 4.0 Educators= 4.2 Business and community reps= 4.1 Business and community reps= 4.1 • In 2011, 100% of the parents found that the “ATSI Pathways” experience met their expectations - up 8

percentage points. For educators, the satisfaction level was 94% (up 16 percentage points from 78% in 2010). For the business and community representatives, there was a minimal decline of just 4 percentage points from the previous year.

“ATSI Pathways” was a valuable way of encouraging A boriginal students

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Business/Comm Rep

Educators

Parents

2011

2010

2010 scores 2011 scores Parents= 4.6 Parents= 4.8 Educators= 4.5 Educators= 4.5 Business and community reps= 4.1 Business and community reps= 4.6 • In 2011, 100% of the parents, teachers business and community representatives deemed this initiative

as a valuable way of encouraging Aboriginal students - an increase on the very positive 2010 results.


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Speakers

Speakers made a positive contribution to raise awar eness of Aboriginal pathways

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Business/Comm Rep

Educators

Parents

2011

2010

2010 scores 2011 scores Parents= 4.5 Parents= 4.7 Educators= 4.4 Educators= 4.3 Business and community reps= 4.4 Business and community reps= 4.6 • There was consensus in both years among parents about the positive contribution of the speakers in

raising awareness of Aboriginal pathways. Responses from educators to this question are very similar in both years (96% of them agreeing or strongly agreeing with this statement in 2010 and 94% of them doing so in 2011). All the business and community representatives agreed or strongly agreed in both years on the positive contribution made by the speakers.

Information presented

Information presented was relevant for Aboriginal s tudents and families

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Business/Comm Rep

Educators

Parents

2011

2010

2010 scores 2011 scores Parents= 4.5 Parents= 4.6 Educators= 4.2 Educators= 4.5 Business and community reps= 4.1 Business and community reps= 4.3 • The 2011 experience was clearly better targeted, with 100% positive response that the information

presented was relevant for Aboriginal students (vs 92% of parents, 91% of teachers and 86% of business/community and government representatives in 2010).


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Tonight improved my knowledge about education and c areer opportunities

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%

Business/Comm Rep

Educators

Parents

2011

2010

2010 scores 2011 scores Parents= 4.3 Parents= 4.5 Educators= 3.9 Educators= 3.9 Business and community reps= 3.6 Business and community reps= 4.3 • In 2011, there was a substantial increase in the proportion of business and community

representatives knowing more about education opportunities due to the “ATSI Pathways” initiative (up to 91%) while the feedback from parents remained the same (96% in 2010 vs 95% in 2011) and a slightly lesser proportion of educators in 2011 (78% vs 71%).

Capacity Building In 2011, a new question was added to the evaluation form to find out if there was an effect of the ATSI Pathways experience in improving parents, educators and business/community/government representatives’ support to their children/students.

As a result of “ATSI Pathways” I will improve my su pport to Aboriginal students/children

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Business/Comm Rep

Educators

Parents

2011

2010 (N/A)

2011 scores: Parents= 4.3 Educators= 4.4 Business and community reps= 4.5

• 89% of the parents, 91% of business/community representatives and 100% of educators who

participated in the “2011 ATSI Pathways” confirmed that, as a result of this experience, they will improve their support to their Aboriginal students/children. This fact shows the impact on capacity building within all these groups to improve students’ learning support.


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D. Non-student responses to open-ended questions

What assistance do you require to help Aboriginal s tudents with their educational attainment? (No. of responses)

Parents’ responses from both years 2010 2011

Tutors, mentors (“Need more to teach students what's available after school; easy access to them; mentoring for on-going motivation. Organisation and time management; male mentoring; tutoring”)

2 3

Information, support (“More information on what’s available; knowing where everything is; just knowing the wide range of support is there is support in itself; keep on informing the students at school of what is involved

4

Empowerment and encouragement (“Learn more about life & its opportunities & what they can do; more encouragement to Aboriginal descent students to participate in activities with other Aboriginal students

1 1

Ensuring that ALL sectors of schooling have 'high' expectations of all Aboriginal students (1) (“That the ILP / PLP is used by all who work/assist with Aboriginal students”).

1

Educators’ responses from both years 2010 2011 Tutoring / Role Models (“For academic students in high school –students who excel; further tutor/mentor schemes, information nights to build individual confidence; positive role models with a passion e.g. Dwayne Coulthard; people to come out to schools to talk to AB students. Such as the young people who spoke tonight; more one to one mentoring support through ATAS etc.; mentors, heaps of them; more support and motivation towards their studies.”)

4 3

Scholarships available (and information about them) for ATSI students 3 Support with remote students (“I would like someone to investigate accommodation options for remote students wanting to study in the city. For some there is no point in starting a course as they have no option apart form IYMP; presenting career opportunities for those in rural/ remote communities with limited experience in city life & low literacy skills.”)

2

Work Experience (“Assistance in procuring work experience for students in years 11 & 12”).

1

More and timely information (“Wanted mining & hairdressing info as well; being made aware of opportunities available for students well in advance of closing dates”)

1 1

Communication and consolidation between agencies 1 ATSI Resources (“To get more students / families to attend and be part of this type of event; possibly a website devoted to this evening info for ATSI kids. A quick go to”)

1 1

Funding (“More funding”)

2

Good parents 1 Finding Apprenticeships 1 Not enough hours in the day, more hours!! Love my work 1


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Business/Community representatives’ responses from both years

2010 2011

Training and encouragement for educators (“To encourage teachers to continually update & be trained in cultural awareness. Educate the educators of relevant information to improve Aboriginal students’ attendance.”)

1

Ongoing funding and resources 1 Ongoing presentations of other organisations to promote their services so it opens door way for their career

1

Love, support 1 Mentoring, continual contact, seamless transition from school to further/ tertiary studies

1

Networking, linking mentors on camps with other young people 1

NOTE: The following question was only available in 2011 and was addressed to parents/caregivers. Are there other topics that you would like to learn more about? If so, what are they? (No. of responses) Working with Aboriginal student courses available where/when (1) Cooperation, sport, homework, levels, sharing (1) Aboriginal culture (1) Hearing from Adelaide and Flinders Uni (1) None (1) As a result of tonight’s experience, one thing I am going to do is… (Multiple responses)

Parents’ responses from both years 2010 2011 Encourage my son/daughter/other ATSI families (“To complete YR12; in looking into study, career choices; to apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship; keep supporting him/her; make my child aware what is available to her; encourage Aboriginal families to attend these events; encourage my own children and spread the word in my work and the many opportunities at ATSI community; to support Sam to go to Uni; support my daughter in her school work; keep linking with our grandchildren – living at Groote Eylandtand but staying with us during school terms- and our wider family to achieve their dreams; encourage my child to start thinking about career choices”)

9 6

Do more research (“Attending Indigenous expo; exploring the website and having a look at the career pathways; more options for my children; exploring some of the UniSA possibilities; reading the UniSA guide for indigenous students”)

5

Pass on the information 1 Follow up (“Follow up apprenticeship contacts (“i.e. Maxima”); follow up with the contacts we gathered for employment”)

1 1

Enrol my child in TAFE; link my sons with PEER in support of them gaining an Apprenticeship.

1 1

Make contact with relevant industries; contact my company and speak about this conference? (illegible)

1 1

I will look for employment 1 Build greater relationships/partnership with school 1 Finish off school 1 Thanks to Ab.Ed support teacher at M.H.S 1


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Educators’ responses from both years 2010 2011

Research more (“Check out more alternative pathways & support; think about other ways I can support the students in regards to finding appropriate resources; research more of what is available for non-city students; contact TAFE Aboriginal Liaison Office”)

3 1

Encourage students to explore opportunities/ Support them (“Follow up with students about their interests; further open the eyes of Aboriginal students so that they can achieve their goals; continually encourage the AB students I work with to follow their passions; talk to the students about their career pathway and help support them; encourage more students to pursue opportunities and organisations such as QANTAS and Uni SA; encourage my year 12s to make themselves 'real life; ready with the 'kit of necessities' suggested by Coby; encourage students to apply for QANTAS t'ships; engage even more Indigenous students; keep encouraging my lads to keep their heads down and achieve; think about how I can further support my students and better myself”)

3 7

Distribute information received (“Pass info into other families who were unable to attend; pass on information I gathered to other students and families at our school”)

3 1

Share this information with staff (“Spend more time with staff on pathways, the success of the role models tonight; share this information with staff at school & students applying for TAFE and Uni.”)

2

Tutoring (“Offer more support as a mentor towards kids to help them out”)

1 1

Other: (“Refer to Maxima; organise a bus for the ATSI career night; follow up Horticulture / Butchery for 2 of our students; keep on trying; renewed resolve; keep an open mind; recommend to others”)

4 2

Connect students Connect students with service providers

2

Update my resources and data base 1 Business/Community representatives’ responses from both

years 2010 2011

Meeting with partners to assist students (“Organise some meetings with partner organisations to build our knowledge of services to assist students; make contact with Jillian Miller re partnership & catch up for Western Futures/ AITEC & our teams; follow up Youth members that I worked previously with - to see where they are at eg. School; connect with more service providers”)

4

Listening to Young People (“Take more time to listen to what a young person says 'they need’)

1

Look for more information/resources (“Look at Uni Education choices. Dental therapist; find one student emergency housing;

2

Network and share information (“Pass on knowledge & encourage Aboriginal kids to consider a tertiary pathway; access Aboriginal Access Centre - Training Support Officers & young people with whom I work”)

3

Other: (“Do some other post, graduate studies; continue our focus; help with upcoming presentations for upcoming Aboriginal camps; mentor SA Dental Employers and present next year”)

1 4


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Two best aspects of “ATSI Pathways” – why? (Multipl e responses)

Parents’ responses from both years 2010 2011 Guest Young Speakers (“Student talking about their experience; Aboriginal female Uni counsellor, hearing individual stories from current trainees & SACE graduates; Dwayne & Coby's experiences; Uni girls; speakers explained everything well; young apprentices speaking about their positive experiences; listening to the students speaking was very relevant to tonight; seeing so many young people there; hearing about the significant intervention in young people’s lives that has made enormous difference”)

13 9

Career Information provided (“Knowing what is available for my children; learning different pathways; the apprenticeship information of Maxima; knowing more about traineeships & workshops; understanding of how it all works ; UniSA guide for Indigenous student; Maxima gave enough information that I understood, business presentations; opportunity to get info with the student; understanding the apprenticeship pathways; gathering resources - Networking - information sharing; vet courses/school base apprenticeships/ providing choices to gain an apprenticeship”)

4 3

Food 2 Expo 1 Indigenous welcome 1 Other (“Applying the principals. Talk the Talk; Ellie Lovegrove; all points were relevant and supportive; all; that it exists. Its positive view”)

5

Educators’ responses from both years 2010 2011 Guest Young Speakers. Hearing their stories (“Current students speaking; speakers Dwayne & Coby; Coby Edgar, great speaker, loved it; UniSA speakers; Excellent range of TOP young speakers; that the kids hear positive stories of employment/ training opportunities; good to listen to & hear their experiences & how they got to where they are now; encouragement to other students; positive messages for so many young Indigenous people; student voices and stories; TAFE young speakers; University student/TAFE students, guest speakers; the students as speakers - absolutely inspirational!. The parents' perspective - more success stories; hearing Coby Edgar and the parent; I love the inspirational speakers and Jack”)

18 7

Information provided (“Helpful to know pathways & how to access programs/courses etc.”)

2

Networking (“Meeting others -networking- needed more room for that; students catching up with each other”)

2

Food 2 Support of the agencies involved 1 Specific Indigenous support 1 Entertainment (“Entertainment (Jack Bukskin); Aboriginal dancers; dancers; great appropriate entertainment”)

5

Parents and children brought together (“Parents here supporting their children’s careers; 1) seeing all the parents and children listening together to hear information and 2) wide range of speakers“)

2

Achievers as speakers (“That students could 'see and hear' success; loved listening to the students journeys and their successes so important for lads to hear from achievers”)

2


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Others (“Formality of the setting; positive atmosphere; it was all encouraging. Well done; all were equally great; hardworking, all being together; balance between performances, speakers & food. It enabled an entertaining and informing night”)

2 4

Business/Community representatives’ responses from both

years 2010 2011

Guest Young Speakers. Hearing their stories (“Young speakers, inspiring stories; SACE speakers, trainees; hearing personal stories; speeches from graduates; hearing from trainees, SACE achievers & ATSI Uni students; speakers providing positive life experiences & encourage kids”)

6 3

Networking (“Networking with other organisations & schools; mixture of people”)

2

Information provided (“ 1) Information re: TAFE support for Aboriginal students and 2) Apprenticeship pathways”)

1

Families brought together (“All the young people present and families”)

1

Entertainment (“Dancing”)

1

MiniExpo (“Information stands”)

1

All 1


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What improvement would you like to see… (No. of res ponses)

Parents’ responses from both years 2010 2011 None (“It was a good event, a wonderful informative evening, 10 out of 10)

4 4

Agenda available prior to dinner 1 Great night. To hold this event twice during the year 1 More interaction (“Presenters asking if there are any questions from the crowd; more interaction with Parents from organisers”)

1 1

Less official boring talk. Some alternative work or student work shown 1 More personal testimonies/ testimonies of trial, error & success 1 1 Making sure all students / family from same table 1 People here to take names of students who are interested in work programs 1 Mining being represented (one provided but no one there!) 1 Better food 1 Parents participation (“Some parents to participate if able”)

1

Earlier start 1 Section for ATSI students who have Graduated to speak 1 Both parents to be able to attend if they wish 1 Hearing from Adelaide and Flinders Uni 1

Educators’ responses from both years 2010 2011 Different or more information (“A wider range of careers presented, high profile careers; careers in Australian defence; how students could access scholarships, Wyatt Institute come & talk; scholarship info.; more Uni information; the other universities should attend”)

5 1

Change to whereabouts, date, etc (Not during show week; earlier in the school term, when not so many assignments are due; more central location; during day perhaps; bigger venue)

5 1

None (“It was very good; hard to suggest anything!! Great work; awesome night!; it was perfect; from what I had seen tonight is that nothing seems to need improving)

4 2

No alcohol please. (“We had parents with D & A issues, plus their kids who were affected by this were here also.”)

2

More practical activities 1 Booking UniSA to come to school 1 More room to network others (“More time for students to approach different career groups. Acknowledgement of Ab Ed teams mentors and tutors in schools’)

2

Less talk (“I know its really hard to manage at these seminars but there is a lot of speaking - and I don't know what the solution is!!; maybe a little bit shorter??”

2

Speakers from Tauondi College 1 More families attending perhaps 1 Different stories (“A few more success stories however some with struggles. The success stories seemed easy”)

1


Page 23

Business/Community representatives’ responses from both years

2010 2011

Different or more information (“More services involved to promote what they offer; empower, deliver more ATSI agencies to present; more visuals, more performances; attract the Generation Y, get them excited; shorter; people who didn't choose the 'right' way; perhaps information for students who are not in mainstream education systems and how to access services for them ”)

3 3

None (“no recommendations, well planned & organised; I thought is 'hit the mark' just the way it was.)

2 1

Presentation skills of some speakers 1 Maybe a motivational type speaker "Burton" 1 Identify tables at where agencies are sitting (like SA Dental) so kids can approach us.

1


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Would you recommend this event? Why? (No. of respon ses) Note: No negative responses were received for this question from any of the groups. 2010 2011 Yes Blank response Yes Blank response Business/Community Representatives 7 0 10 1 Educators 20 3 16 1 Parents 22 2 17 2

Parents’ responses from both years 2010 2011 In 2011, 17 (out of 19) would recommend “ATSI Pathways” to other Aboriginal students or parents, teachers, career counsellors, business people (2010, 22 parents of 24 responses) for the following reasons:

Good information (Tonight was very well organised & full of good information. I will be bringing my other children in the near future, very educating evening, lots of great info in a friendly atmosphere; information about pathways can be very confusing. Resources all in the spot)

5 2

Awareness (“It is a valuable resource for gaining information & insight for career pathways; good insight to help. We didn’t know what was out there for my kids; to inform them of services available to help.)

2 1

Would love this event be available for all Nunga students & parents 1 It is very encouraging, lots of pamphlets to read with my daughter 1

Educators’ responses from both years 2010 2011 In 2011, 16 (out of 17) would recommend “ATSI Pathways” to other Aboriginal students or parents, teachers, career counsellors and business people (2010, 20 educators of 23 responses) for the following reasons:

Good information (“Yes, because the most powerful thing students can get from this is hearing other students & past students stories on how they got where they are!; it is worthwhile hearing the experiences & receiving information in a neat event; the more support & knowledge the better; knowledge is power & power equals confidence!!; yes I would, love all the students who came & talked; because it is a great opportunity for students to hear info relevant to them in one night and one place; to be encouraged and informed of the many options; It is a great night with good speakers and just as good information (also free food); informative”)

6 3

Parents and students together (“Because parents and students are hearing the same message. Often they don’t talk about the opportunities. Parents need to take a stronger role; yes, because of the relevance it has to students & families; so parents and students can hear others talk about their career pathway and decide what course of action they want to take”)

1 2

Relevance of the event (“Yes, building the connection between education & employment is essential; A very valuable event - please keep it going; working and supporting is crucial to successful futures; a positive night to encourage students”)

1 3

Yes, I want students from Northern suburbs to experience this too. 1 Excellent networking opportunity 2


Page 25

Business and Community representatives’ responses f rom both years 2010 2011 In 2011, 10 (out of 11) business and community people attending and responding the feedback sheet said they would recommend this event to other Aboriginal students or parents, teachers, career counsellors or other business/community people (2010, 7 out of 7) for the following reasons:

Networking opportunity 1 Information provided (“information by SACE, trainees plus GTO'S; informative, professional presentations)

1 1

A great way of bringing community together 1 Supports are shown to the community 1 It’s great 1


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Overall, what do you think about the ATSI Career Pa thways Dinner?

Parent responses

2010 2011

These comments were brought together from parents:

“Great networking & information event; it was bigger, better & more informative than was expected; well done to the organisers; great, hope they continue; a very good event; informative, loved the singing, meals were great; speaker had too long tales; thank you for a wonderful night, giving the community an overview of what is available for young people & parents”.

“Fantastic; absolutely enjoyed it; the dinner was very useful to me I learnt a fair bit; it absolutely opened my mind and made me think outside the square; excellent. Well co-ordinated, well presented, various options to explore and opportunities to be had. Congratulations; educational and realising all the different opportunities for students; enjoyable and informative; it was really, really great; excellent very culturally appropriate; very well done; fantastic dinner was excellent and being with others from school made it very comfortable; guest to have so many positive people and connection; I would have liked both parents to be able to attend as both of us were interested and want to support our son. It was a great presentation and dinner though; very informative night. All the choices and opportunities out there. Inspiration speakers give students a great example to motivate them and start reflecting their future; fabulous, most enjoyable.”

Educator responses

2010 2011

The following responses were provided by educators:

“Excellent, enabled parents, staff & students to attend; this was a most informative & enjoyable evening. Our students gained a lot from it; very beneficiary; very good idea, unfortunately we had quiet a few drop out at last minute; fantastic night; it was really good. Thank you for including the Wiltja students; well organised; Great - Top result and very impressive organisation. Excellent speakers, well done; great idea but avoid show week, a number of our students work at the show; great! Coby was brilliant & captured everyone's attention & interest; amazing opportunity for all who attended; informative, enjoyable, good networking opportunity; a huge success! Well done to everyone involved.”

“Fabulous, very glad I came, I will promote it strongly within my site and beyond; very good; I think it is a wonderful occasion - however I am totally against alcohol being available at this dinner. I do not believe we need to serve alcohol to our parents/caregivers; very positive, affirming experience for Aboriginal families- a respectful and valuing experience; a great night - good food, perhaps no speakers whilst people are eating as they miss information; well done, very well organised; good opportunity for networking and gaining relevant information; good experience, worthwhile; keep it up; I would recommend it to many other Aboriginal students (senior 10,11,12) that are at their schooling; awesome; congratulations it was fantastic. Great balance of speakers and entertainment and food; great opportunity for families to meet with teachers, other parents and to be encouraged in supporting their lads - working together for success; worth attending.”


Page 27

Business/ Comm. reps’

responses

2010 2011

Business/ community and government representatives made the following comments:

“Thanks, a quality event; all good; well done; good thanks; seemed well attended, venue very good, entertainment good; thoroughly enjoyed it, great range, diverse speakers, relevant & entertaining. Bravo!”

“Was a lovely informative evening. Thank you; lovely way to celebrate and hear stories of success and hope; just great. Continue to have more; great. Definitely would come again. Great stories told and very enjoyable; awesome; fabulous! Especially enjoyed cultural dancing/music; great way - I wish I knew more beforehand - but that's because of a last minute staff member needing to go interstate!”

Question from UniSA (for parents, educators and bus iness/community representatives) Would you like to receive more information about Un iSA’s upcoming events, career information sessions and pathways? Yes/No. Please specify below if there is anything else you would like to find out about UniSA. NOTE: 10 parents, 7 educators and 6 businness/community representatives attending in 2011 requested more information from UniSA. Their names and contact details have been removed due to privacy considerations

Code Additional information P4 Information on how to assist in this project

P5 P6 P10 P11 P12 P14

P16 P17 P18 Male orientated apprenticeships etc. My daughter works for netball SA. Thanks

to "Aboriginal pathways to excellence program" - forever grateful for the opportunity and experience this program provided for her.

T3 T4 T7 T12 T14 T15 T16 B2 B5 B7 Dental hygiene and therapy B8 Teaching B10 B11 Info we can pass onto aspiring Uni students


Page 28

Other Observations and Anecdotal Reports Ros Cameron, Aboriginal Community Education Officer (Adelaide Hills) contacted AITEC staff after the “2011 ATSI Pathways” experience to let the team know that it was a very enriching practice to have an Aboriginal dancing performance during the night, as it is quite unusual for Aboriginal young people in the Hills to be in contact with their cultural expressions. One of the reasons for that happening is that most of Aboriginal artists’ performances are presented in Adelaide and transportation for young kids is not always possible. Edmund Rice Campus approached AITEC for assistance with one of their 11-15 year-old camps around Aboriginal Cultural Dances and activities for their next camp. There are many anecdotal stories that we sometimes have the privilege of hearing and documenting, but often not. It is wonderful to receive written feedback sheets and brilliant to hear first-hand the impact that these events have on students, parents and all in the room. It is difficult to capture of all these amazing stories, but evidence shows that this pathways experience had an amazing impact and made a real difference in the lives of those Aboriginal young people, parents, guardian and teachers who participated.

Conclusion The feedback - received both personally and through the survey documents - was explicit: the event was a resounding success again in 2011 and in most ways, even better and more effective than in 2010. The event was commended for its dinner format, its presentations and content, the inspiration provided by young Aboriginal presenters and for its entertainment - yet another Aboriginal success. The community has been clear in its expression of interest in further Aboriginal Pathways events in the future. On November 8th 2011, AITEC and Western Futures met to evaluate the outcomes of the recent ATSI Pathways dinner and plan for future development. However, at this meeting Western Futures informed AITEC of a change in their strategy and advised AITEC of their decision not to partner in this initiative beyond 2011. This cross regional collaboration has provided a sound foundation upon which to build a more sustainable partnership between parents and families, community, business and industry and education. AITEC has taken steps to establish a partnership to support Aboriginal students to progress to and achieve Year 12 (and equivalent) attainment. Key organisations within the Aboriginal community, business and industry, schools and government agencies including DEEWR and DECS, as well as Catholic Education SA and the Association of Independent Schools of SA have much to contribute to this evolution process and planning for the future. AITEC will continue to link this with the SACE Aboriginal Pathways Conference and other Aboriginal support initiatives under its ATSI Pathways Partnership to further the development of Aboriginal youth aspirations, attainment and transitions supported by parents, families, community and business. November 2011

2011 atsi pathways - a family dinner evaluation report€¦ · seymour college (independent) st...

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