RETHINKING THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT (FAILURE) OF VOCATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: STUDENT (FAMILY) OR SCHOOL, WHAT IS DECISIVE?

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the academic achievement of vocational high school students through student level and school level variables. Student level variables were demographic data, socioeconomic and socio-cultural characteristics of the family, the educational environment and opportunities provided to the student, as well as attitude scores determined by the Attitude towards School Scale. School level variables were the total number of students and teachers in the schools. Hierarchical Linear Model (HLM) was used to analyze student and school level variables. Vocational high school students come mainly from the lower socioeconomic strata of society. Academic achievements of students differ according to schools. The school level variable that predicts academic achievement is the total student number in the school. The more the number increases, the academic achievement of the students decreases. Variables that determine academic achievement in vocational education is predominantly (63% probability) related to socioeconomic and socio-cultural variables at the student level.