The purpose of this research project is to learn more about the formation of educational expectations by young people and their parents in New Zealand. This research topic has not been widely studied overseas, and no published study to date has examined this issue in this country. This is somewhat surprising given that educational attainment is considered to be one of the key determinants of long-term labour market success. How do these educational expectations of teenagers and their parents evolve over time? Do they become increasingly more accurate in terms of eventual educational attainment? What personal, family and school characteristics best predict the level of these educational expectations?
The Christchurch Health and Development Study (CHDS) provides data on the level of education that young people are expected to complete when these subjects were between the ages of 13 and 16. These reports are available from both teenagers and their parents. In addition, the CHDS provides detailed information on the personal and family backgrounds, cognitive abilities and academic performances, in-school work histories and eventual educational attainment for these subjects.