Asian American Education--Asian American Identities, Racial Issues, and Languages presents groundbreaking research that critically challenges the invisibility, stereotyping, and common misunderstandings of Asian Americans by disrupting "customary" discourse and disputing "familiar" knowledge. The chapters in this anthology…

The author of this article, an education attorney, begins by describing a case where, a school superintendent of personnel for a rural school district in Michigan had just received a performance evaluation with high marks and a new three-year contract. Two months later the school board called him into a closed session and presented him with…

Teacher shortages are essentially a problem of distribution (Darling-Hammond, 2001; Ingersoll, 2001; National Association of State Boards of Education, 1998; Olson, 2000; Reeves, 2003; Voke, 2002). According to recent studies, hardest to find are teachers who are both qualified and willing to teach in hard-to-staff schools, which included those in…

Reviews studies of unit costs among schools of differing size in United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and Sudan. Concludes that studies suggest economies of scale in larger schools, but extent of economies and point where schools encounter diseconomies vary widely. Notes that control for quality is problematic. (DHP)

School district size is important to policymakers and educators who need to determine the most effective way to structure school organization. For more than 40 years, a growing body of research has focused on the relationship between school size and school effectiveness (Monk & Plecki, 1999). Early studies did not address the effect of school…

A small rural Missouri school district successfully campaigned for an 81-cent tax increase: 38 cents for a levy to operate schools, and a 43-cent bond issue that would allocate money to build new facilities. Passage of the referendum required at least a year of hard work and planning, positive advertisements, and a lot of community involvement.…

Describes the technology of interactive television and shows how it can be effectively used in small, rural districts to allow students to have access to more instructional programs. It allows students to be taught in a normal manner with teacher/student interaction through the use of television. (MD)

Outlines the school-business partnership developed by Funkstown Elementary School (Hagerstown, Maryland) with Maryland Ribbon Company. Includes a list of points to consider when developing such a relationship. (MD)

Outlines a successful reading program developed in Wakulla County, Florida, schools where the adult illiteracy rate was seriously high. The success of this program emphasizes three points: begin with detailed needs assessment, establish clear program goals, and provide continuous evaluation.(MD)

Every state in the nation is currently charting a course to improve its public education system. As states raise education standards and invest in programs to improve student achievement, there are a number of reasons why it is essential that states consider the school facility needs of rural schools. This report is intended to assist state…

This short annotated bibliography is intended for use by policymakers in states and communities that are concerned with linking education and economic development in rural areas. It contains references to selected publications and resource materials (including audiovisuals) prepared with federal funds. The bibliography is divided into the…

Describes a 9-district, 750 employee self-insurance cooperative in northeast Missouri that achieved a $90,000 balance over claims in just 9 months of operation. Explains mechanics of plan operation including level of benefits, premiums, financial integrity, and results. (NEC)

Small rural schools can use telecommunication and educational networking to gain access to information and extend curriculum. Provides a model plan for developing a technology cooperative. (MD)

Describes a successful instructional television consortium developed by four small Illinois high schools. The system eliminated the need to transport students long distances for a quality education. (MD)

This publication offers a sampling of strategies, resources, and tips for educators and policymakers engaged in the recruitment of mathematics, science, and special education teachers--specific to urban and rural schools and districts. These strategies and resources, when implemented effectively, can have a positive and lasting impact on the…