A new pathway for adult learners: evaluation of a school-university access pilot [EIP 04/03]

The research outlined in this document seeks to establish the effectiveness of a pilot program in facilitating successful entry of a disadvantaged group of adult prospective students to university level study.  It examines a pilot program run by the University of South Australia, known as UNISA-PAL (University of South Australia Pathway for Adult Learners).  The research was designed to establish whether the arrangements within this program provide a more effective pathway into higher education for socio-economically disadvantaged adults than current alternatives, and in particular to compare the retention, success and transition rates into university bachelor level study of students undertaking the UniSA-PAL course in a school setting, Diploma in University Studies students studying at a distance with the University, and students throughout Australia taking bridging courses funded by the federal Enabling Program.  The outcomes of the pilot and results of the research have been positive in terms of: the level of disadvantage of the students which the UniSA-PAL course has attracted; their retention, success and transition rates into higher education; the appropriateness of the course as an adult equivalent of traditional senior secondary studies, as a preparation for higher education and as an entry pathway into studies at this level; the scalability of the inter-sectoral arrangements; and the potential for expansion into a range of other sites and targeting specific groups of students.  The outcomes suggest that the UniSA-PAL pilot is deserving of serious national policy attention with respect to its potential to transform access arrangements for socio-economically disadvantaged adults to university award level study, and as an adult alternative to the completion of senior secondary education.

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