Positive self-identity for indigenous students and its relationship to school outcomes: a project funded by the Commonwealth Department of Education Training and Youth Affairs

Abstract

The investigation described in this report was commissioned by the Australian Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA). The aims of the project were to: define the concept of positive self-identity for indigenous students; identify the factors that contribute to positive self-identity formation; analyse the role of positive self-identity in affecting school outcomes for indigenous students; devise a working definition of positive self-identity for indigenous students; and suggest practical strategies for increasing the positive self-identity of indigenous students in order to improve their school outcomes. The goals focus on improving school attendance and English literacy and numeracy skills.