Publication Date

12-2004

Abstract

Closing the divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students is one of the most pressing current educational imperatives. A multifaceted approach is needed to achieve this, given the diversity of educational disadvantage experienced by Indigenous students, and the contexts within which they obtain their education. One innovative approach to overcoming the disparity between Indigenous and non- Indigenous educational outcomes is that developed by Vibe Australia through its publication of the magazine Deadly Vibe. Deadly Vibe is a magazine for Indigenous students that aims to enhance their academic and social outcomes of schooling, including literacy and numeracy learning, self-esteem and self-concept, regular school attendance and retention, career and employment opportunities, and healthy lifestyles. The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) was contracted by Vibe Australia to conduct an evaluation of Deadly Vibe and to report on its success in terms of enhancing the outcomes of schooling for Indigenous students. Four hundred and forty three primary and secondary school students (of whom 290 were Indigenous) and 91 teachers located in 61 schools across Australia completed surveys. Government, Catholic, and Independent schools were included in the sample. The surveys contained both fixed response and open-ended response format items.

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