Towards the Sustainability of Rural Schools in the Region of Asturias (Spain): Problems and Demands of Management Teams and their Coverage by the Written Press

Abstract

The sustainability of rural schools depends on endogenous and exogenous factors that affect their survival. This study is aimed to identify problems and needs reported by the management teams of rural schools in the region of Asturias (Spain). In addition, the study examines how the press reports them. The study employs a mixed methodology a) quantitative, based on analysing the opinions of school management teams using a questionnaire (α=0.798), with a response rate of 77.2 %; and b) qualitative, document based, focused on examining how the local written press treats those problems and needs. The results indicate that school management teams emphasise internal problems, such as the need for up-todate digital resources along with maintenance of existing resources, and the need for stable internet connections, transport, and school meals services. In contrast, the written press emphasises external problems, such as the low birth rate and the consequent closure of schools. The rural schools are drawn special attention when they are about to be closed, emphasising the sorrow of the educational community, who is aware of what this means to the territory. Finally, the various administrative bodies need to respond to rural schools’ needs in order to promote their sustainability.