This mixed-methods study explores changes over time in assessment strategies and identifies variables that facilitate that change by examining assessment practices of 11 teacher candidates enrolled in a one-year postbaccalaureate teacher education program that prepares for teaching in rural and urban settings of Alaska. Analyzing multiple data…

Local school districts differ in their ability to pay for teacher quality, and in the amenities they offer as places to live and work. Market clearing with heterogeneous quality yields geographically varying teacher salary levels that confound scarcity with unobserved differences in quality. The paper discusses identification and estimation of a…

Context: Health care disparities are well documented for people living in rural areas and for people who are members of ethnic minorities. Purpose: Our goal was to determine whether providers report greater difficulty in providing care for rural than urban residents and for ethnic minorities than patients/clients in general in 4 practice areas of…

This study was conducted to learn how Alaskans perceive alcohol and alcoholism. Findings indicate that differences in attitudes toward and knowledge of alcohol are related to both urban/rural and native/nonnative differences. Implications of findings are discussed with respect to alcohol education programs. (Author)

Context: Patients in rural areas may use less medical care than those living in urban areas. This could be due to differences in travel distance and time and a utilization of a different mix of generalists and specialists for their care. Purpose: To compare the travel times, distances, and physician specialty mix of all Medicare patients living in…

Alaska 1990 census data indicate that, above age 20, the female proportion of the Native village population drops below 50%, whereas the female proportion of Native city population rises above 50% and continues to rise with increasing age. Associates results with sex differences in education, aspirations, and rural lifestyle. Discusses…

Examines effects of Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act within broader context of rapid social change. Considers viability of rural Alaska village life and economic and social relevance of traditional Native culture. Suggests expansion of state/federal programs imposing welfare dependence are a powerful force in undermining traditional…

Surveys of Alaska Native high school students in 2 "hub" towns and 13 villages found significant gender and town-village differences in student aspiration to college, confidence in quality of local education, intention to migrate, and intention to work in mining or oil. Differential migration affects life prospects and acculturation of…