The intent of the survey is not to place blame or make comparisons, but to put kids' views on the table and make informed responses. While the overall summative data might slightly change as more high school data arrive and in-depth analyses are done, the current figures provide a wealth of information, particularly about the views and experiences of students in the developmentally crucial middle school years. The survey reflects that sixth graders are overall more optimistic, less critical and more excited about school than older students. School configuration seems to be a contributing factor. McIntire points out that sixth graders in a K-6 school, as the oldest and most experienced, may be more confident and feel more supported by teachers than seventh or ninth graders entering a new school as the youngest and least savvy students.
Younger students are also more confident that they can find success in their home state.
Only 15 percent of sixth graders indicate that they need to leave Maine to be successful in life, but that number increases in each grade, with over 35 percent of seniors reporting their best chance for success lies outside the state. The survey also holds the potential for a series of studies on the differing perceptions, motivation and attitudes of boys and girls. In addition, the survey provides important information for the implementation of Maine's Learning Results and for the shaping of policy to address issues of equity, according to College of Education and Human Development Dean Robert Cobb. While the new state standards measure student achievement, the aspirations survey assesses motivation to achieve and looks at some principles yet to be addressed in the content standards such as career development, he explains. The key will be what individual schools do with the data generated from their own students.