Describes and explains various factors in rural education and shows how "A Nation at Risk," the report of the Commission on Excellence in Education, ignores certain rural factors in its recommendations for education. Offers eight recommendations for policymakers who are designing strategies for implementing the commission…

The challenges faced by rural school psychologists are reviewed and contrasted with urban school settings. The difficulties in recruiting and retaining rural school psychologists are outlined, and suggestions for preservice training are recommended. Models for rural service delivery are discussed, stressing an interdisciplinary focus. (Author/GDC)

Among 312 school districts nationwide, compared to other districts, rural districts had higher estimated percentages of at-risk students (both handicapped and nonhandicapped) and behavioral and community risk factors. The relationship of self-esteem to at-risk status is discussed. Recommendations are presented for policymakers and teacher…