The Role of Achievement, Gender, SES, Location, and Policy in Explaining the Indigenous Gap in High-School Completion

Abstract

Internationally there is a gap in high school completion rates for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. In Australia, gap estimates are commonly based on lag indicators, precluding examination of underlying mechanisms. Using two longitudinal and representative samples of Australian youth, we explored differences in high school completion between Australian Indigenous and non-Indigenous rates and whether the gap varies for students of similar academic ability. Using an intersectional approach, we show the Indigenous gap varies by SES and location. Specifically, high SES and living in urban settings are protective factors for non-Indigenous students, but not so for Indigenous students. Results also show the Indigenous gap declined in response to government policy that increased the compulsory school leaving age.