Traces the history of the one-room school in West Virginia from the 1750s to the 1970s. Describes teachers, buildings, curriculum, pupil and teacher rules of conduct, size advantages/disadvantages, length of school year, salaries, changes in school district size, evolution of transportation networks, and current status. (NEC)

Describes the "International Christmas Fair" developed as a part of "Project Explore: Cultural Studies" program in Fairmont, Nebraska, with an ESEA Title IV grant. Shows how a rural school teaches about the Christmas customs of Holland, Sweden, Mexico, Germany, Colonial America, and England. (AH)

Interest in the rural context of education is growing, and connections between education and the wider rural community are increasingly acknowledged to be important. Hundreds of organizations were contacted to update this directory, which provides recent information on programs, organizations, and resources useful to practitioners, policymakers,…

This directory of consultants is intended to provide a reference tool to rural educators seeking advice and assistance in adapting existing programs or building new programs to serve the rural adult. Introductory material notes that the process used to locate these professionals included a national survey of rural model programs conducted by the…

In New York State, the 24 brightest fifth and sixth graders from Avon, Caledonia, and York participated in a project funded by Title IV minigrants, distributed through BOCES. The children were bussed to a central point and permitted to study whatever they wished; Spanish was the first subject selected. (EJS)

Explains a strategy for the design and development of instructional programs for educational television in developing nations using a modified version of the Shannon-Weaver Communication Model. Highlights include design strategy, manner of presentation, and stages of program development. The importance of making materials realistic and culturally…

Describes Learn Alaska, an electronic educational system run jointly by the University of Alaska and the state Department of Education. Explains use of teleconferencing, videotex, teletext, and software teledelivery. (JM)

Traces the historical development of environmental education in England, indicating the changes that have occurred in program emphases and implementation patterns since the early 1960s. Lists the values associated with teaching environmentally. (ML)

This article provides research-based suggestions for developing educational options based on acceleration to meet the needs of gifted students in rural areas. Accelerative options offered by both the home school and universities in Iowa are described. (DB)

A strategy for managing an effective special services program in a small, rural school (Wilson Creek, Washington) is described. The approach is built upon the nucleus of a full time special education teacher who coordinates schoolwide services. Responsibilities of this position include assisting teaching staff in mainstreaming special education…

This booklet provides sample strategies to ameliorate service delivery problems commonly encountered by rural special educators. Strategies to increase acceptance of disabled students by nondisabled peers include buddy systems and class activities that promote personal interaction, simulation activities, and social and personal skills development.…

This source book contains listings of resources available for educators in rural settings. This information was gathered from the states of Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming, by Colorado State University under contract to McREL. Practices reported involve staff development, academic planning,…

Describes faculty designed program to provide individualized basic education for each of 116 grade 4, 5, and 6 students in Bigelow, Arkansas, as well as daily opportunities for enrichment through community resource persons. Summarizes community involvement, educational considerations, evaluation efforts, recommendations, and limitations. (NEC)

Explains how interactive television is expanding course offerings in two remote, sparsely populated Northern Michigan school districts (Cheboygan and Mackinaw City), how interactive television works, and how the programs were made operational in less than two years. Offers reflections about the program and plans for expansion. (NEC)

Describes integrated approach to teaching the arts which can be utilized in single or multi-grade classrooms in rural settings by teachers who may not have a background in any art form. Addresses problems of time, preparation, and resources that hinder curriculum development by rural educators. (NEC)