The article presents successful strategies based on A. Maslow's hierarchy for recruiting special education personnel for rural school systems. Techniques for selling a district to prospective teachers and administrators are discussed and suggestions for integrating newcomers are covered. (Author/SB)

The Program for Exceptional Children of the University of South Carolina developed a project to address the need for an improved service delivery model for handicapped students in rural South Carolina. The project trained regular elementary teachers at the master's degree level to function as consultants to other regular classroom teachers with…

Describes a report on New Mexico's public school services for three- and four-year-old handicapped children, focusing on features of special interest to rural educators. Topics are curriculum selection, program models, and program delivery system alternatives. (JHZ)

To determine the extent to which states are able to assess their provision of services to typically underserved populations, this study interviewed 16 Part H (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) state coordinators. Major findings indicated: (1) six states identified their rural population as most underserved and six identified one or more…

A study sought to identify and verify the characteristics of rural settings and teachers that, in the literature, are related to success in rural teaching of students with handicapping conditions and to compare college faculty expectations and attitudes with those of local education administrators and master teachers. A survey was conducted by…

This article emphasizes the need to develop special education policy and practice appropriate for rural students. The article examines recommended practices for improving delivery of services to rural schools, services readily available to rural families and communities, and the role of the rural special educator. (Author/PB)

In response to the increasing need of rural public schools for teachers who can function in more than one teaching area, Arkansas College initiated a program for students to become certified in both special education and elementary education. Through this dual, 4-year program, the employment prospects of students are increased, the needs of area…

The paper describes a Laramie County, Wyoming, program to deliver transition information and skills to handicapped students in sparsely populated rural communities. A brief historical review of education in Wyoming precedes a discussion of transition concerns in Wyoming which include lack of coordination between educational and community agencies…

The guide, developed by the Secondary Transition and Employment Project (STEP) in Idaho, describes a rationale and model for implementing secondary/vocational assessment of students with disabilities that is integrated with curriculum and transition strategies. Assessment and curricular strategies are particularly intended for students in rural…

The University of Washington has designed a rural track in its master's level training program in early childhood special education. This paper reports on the components of the training program and the results of the first two years of teacher preparation, including placement of trainees in rural practicum sites. (Author/JDD)

Project LINCS (Linking Infants in Need with Comprehensive Services) is based on a process orientation to the delivery of comprehensive services for rural handicapped infants and their families. Effective regional-community linkage is developed by community analysis, community entree, formal linkage development, formal structured interaction, and…

Discusses profound effect PL 99-457 will have upon rural school districts as they attempt to comply by providing adequate services to handicapped youngsters from birth to age five. Addresses shortage of qualified teachers, coordination and funding of services, opportunities for interagency collaboration, incentives to serve, and preparation…

Outlines planning procedures and strategies that enable special education supervisors to fit work transition programs for disabled students to local circumstances. Discusses school and community needs assessment to establish program goals; alternative program models; and planning imperatives related to knowledge of the community, staff background,…

Although rural children with mild or moderate handicaps have been integrated into the regular classroom, children with severe or low-incidence handicaps continue to be underserved by rural schools. Traditional service delivery models are inadequate in rural areas where many levels of the traditional service continuum and adequate staff and funding…

The 3-year qualitative study evaluated high-school special education programs and their contributions to the transition of youth with disabilities. This report focuses on: the current status of programs for transition from school to adult life; program gaps as seen by administrators and practitioners; and reported priorities for program…