The address of the Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education before the 1983 Rural Education Association Conference reviews recent Department of Education activities in support of rural education and details the Department's rural education policy for the 80's. Characteristics of rural America and rural education are briefly discussed. The Department's 1982-83 rural education activities are summarized. Five major objectives of the Department's Rural Education Committee 1984 management plan are listed. Six rural education goals of the Office of Vocational and Adult education are given: support/implement the Department's rural education policy; identify an appropriate research and demonstration agenda for rural vocational and adult education; upgrade the quality and quantity of information generated on issues in rural vocational and adult education; foster a unified Department approach on issues relating to rural vocational and adult education; create an effective voice for rural education in policy development and other deliberations; improve interagency communication/coordination in operation of adult, vocational, and other employment training programs in rural communities with efforts to promote the economic well-being of these communities. Five activities to achieve these goals are summarized. The full text of the Department's 10-point policy statement on rural education and rural family education is included. (MH)