Research Reports
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2022
An Analysis of Pennsylvania's Children
November 22, 2022 | Rural People and Communities
This study used secondary data from multiple sources to present a short analysis of Pennsylvania children (ages 0-17) over the 10-year period of 2010-2019. It analyzed trends pertaining to children along seven different dimensions, including location, demographics, economic circumstances, education, health care, health, and behaviors. The results indicate that both rural and urban children have seen some improvements in economic circumstances, healthcare, and health from 2010 to 2019. However, there are opportunities to improve outcomes for children overall.
Tags: education , health care , children , economic
Analyzing the Effects of COVID-19 on Educational Equity in Rural Pennsylvania School Districts
August 25, 2022 | Education
Using a mixed methods approach that combined state-level institutional data, local interviews with school administrators, and school district data, this research examined how COVID-19 has (re)shaped rural school districts’ ongoing efforts to identify and address equity concerns along geographic, fiscal, instructional, and racial/ethnic lines across Pennsylvania.
Executive Summary
Tags: education , education equity , rural education , covid-19
Rural Youth Survey: Trends and Developments in the Attitudes and Aspirations of Rural Pennsylvania Youth
May 18, 2022 | Rural People and Communities
The goals of this project were to document the educational, career, and residential aspirations of rural youth today, to examine the community, family, and peer factors that might shape these aspirations, and to detail the opportunities and barriers that youth experience.
Executive Summary
Tags: education , residential aspirations , career aspirations , youth
2014
Marcellus Shale Gas Development and Impacts on Pennsylvania Schools and Education (Report 3)
September 30, 2014 | Environment and Natural Resources
This research examined how schools and the provision of education within Pennsylvania communities may have been affected by active Marcellus Shale natural gas development. Using data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the federal Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), coupled with qualitative focus group data with school leaders from Pennsylvania’s northern tier and southwest counties, this research focused on several topical areas, including changes in student populations and characteristics, student achievement, and school district finances.
Tags: education , pennsylvania schools , student populations , natual gas development , marcellus shale , finances
2011
GED Preparation Through Distance Learning in Rural Pennsylvania (2011)
May 19, 2011 | Education
This study investigated the types, use, and effectiveness of distance learning (DL) for General Education Development (GED) candidates in rural Pennsylvania. The research goal was to provide information for enhancing DL GED study options. Specifically, the study, which was conducted in 2009-2010, sought to: identify the types and use of GED distance education in rural Pennsylvania; describe the demographic characteristics and participation patterns of rural GED students in DL and face-to-face classes; determine the effectiveness of DL in preparing rural students to pass the GED tests; assess the cost of DL provision; and examine the advantages and disadvantages of DL for GED study.
Tags: education , distance learning , adult education , ged
An Analysis of Rural and Urban Pennsylvania Adults Taking, Completing, and Passing the GED (2011)
January 05, 2011 | Education
Dropping out of high school seriously impacts an individual’s job opportunities, income potential and employment stability. To minimize those risks, individuals can earn a General Educational Development (GED) credential. Researchers have studied the impact of obtaining a GED on candidates’ lives and found that the credential affects their perceptions of themselves and their future success in terms of education, training, employment and income.
This study identified similarities and differences among rural and urban GED students to determine if certain factors affect the success of these students in obtaining a GED. The study also looked to identify program considerations that may serve the educational needs of out-of-school rural and urban GED candidates.
Tags: education , ged , earning potential , job opportunities
Introducing the Center's new journal, Rural Policy: The Research Bulletin of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.