In a national survey, a total of 1,200 surveys were mailed to school administrators in rural areas in all states. Responses from 312 rural, urban, and suburban school administrators provided estimated percentages of students in 12 high risk categories. Survey data were analyzed by a repeated-measures analysis of variance that considered three…

This paper describes causes of mental retardation in rural America, preventative methods, and factors impeding preventative approaches in rural settings and offers principles for tailoring traditional preventative methods for rural areas. Relevant findings of research conducted by the National Rural Project, American Council on Rural Special…

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…

The rural special education context is unique because of the distinct environment and the variety of rural school subcultures. However, little information about rural special education is available prior to the late 1970's, partially because federal agencies lacked a working definition of "rural." Although rural and urban special…

Rural school psychologists face unique challenges because of inherent rural attributes including sparse populations, geographic and climatic barriers, and traditional value systems. Mental health resources are typically inadequate in rural America, and the comprehensive roles of well trained school psychologists are frequently misunderstood in…

This document reviews problems related to sexual activity among rural U.S. teenagers, successes and failures of teen sex education programs, and problems and needs specific to rural areas. In a recent poll, 89% of adults favored sex education in the schools and 73% supported making birth control information and contraceptives available in school…

This report describes factors distinguishing rural families with special-needs children and their communities from those in non-rural settings. Rural communities have distinct environments and unique strengths and weaknesses, differing even among themselves. A diversity among rural lifestyles, values, resources, and other socio-cultural factors…

Addressing acute problems in delivery of services to rural handicapped students, the document emphasizes the need for relevant preservice training for special education teachers who will work in rural areas. A list of specific elements for inclusion in a rural-focused curriculum philosophy includes: training students possessing appropriate skills…

A paper by the American Council on Rural Special Education formally requests that the National Commission on Excellence in Education recognize the differences between rural and non-rural schools and provide appropriately different strategies for implementing Commission recommendations. Factors of rural schools which should be considered by…