Small Rural Schools in Austria: Potentials and Challenges

Abstract

The author of this chapter analyses the potential and challenges of small rural primary schools. Between 2009 and 2015, researchers of two transnational projects co-operated with partners from Switzerland to carry out studies in small rural schools in Western Austria. Due to topological conditions, small rural primary schools are common in this region, with 43% of primary schools consisting of fewer than 50 pupils. Yet despite this high number, little research had been done previously. The authors of 20 case studies of small rural primary schools in Vorarlberg showed that these schools are a source of both educational opportunities and specific challenges. The author will describe issues informing the work of teachers in these schools, the special situation of rural head teachers, and the struggle to secure the existence of small schools through developing a special profile as Montessori institutions.