In this essay, I explain how I switched the lens of my sophomore research unit to one that focuses on rural issues. This essay follows the unit from beginning to end. I explain what I do to raise awareness through the use of daily articles along with providing models for their own research. The essay then details the writing portion and how it has…

Relationships play a strong role in rural communities and education, and multiplex relationships--relationships that can overlap due to multiple contexts of interaction in a rural school--are unique to the rural setting. This study focused on multiplex relationships and their impact on science classroom performance, as measured by science…

In this descriptive and comparative study, we present results highlighting the complexity and scope of the challenges facing rural districts as they navigate the changing demographics of the students and families they serve. Rapid increases in the number and concentration of racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse students in rural areas…

Partnerships between the USDA and rural colleges are one approach that allows individual students and regional economies to fulfill their potential. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made a decision to be involved with rural community colleges, which has really made a difference on what is happening on campus. Through a dizzying array…

We explain in this article the need for board training in rural America irrespective of industry or government sector. We discuss how an assessment of training needs has led to the launch of a new project called the National Board Basics Curriculum (NBBC) project. In this project, we have identified four key core competencies that every board…

Examines English teaching practices in American rural schools from 1900-40, emphasizing schools in Iowa. Discusses the Country Life Movement, which proposed significant reforms for rural education and rural living. Surveys English teaching practices undertaken in its spirit. Concludes with an assessment of the movement and a discussion of its…

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 physics teacher at rural Cedar Falls High School (Iowa) describes how teacher telecommunication networks provided ongoing support following summer teacher workshops, his inability to get fellow teachers engaged in telecommunication, and the benefits of a telecommunication network to rural teachers. (SV)

At Living History Farms' (Iowa) pioneer homestead, late 1800 village, turn-of-the-century farm, or the farm of tomorrow, elementary and secondary students have a chance to experience both work and play aspects of farm life on the plains. The history and theory of this living museum are also discussed. (CT)

State equalization programs for school funding have been structured around variously weighted combinations of district wealth, tax effort and student need. For rural and small school districts, these programs have not always provided adequate financing. Nine rural school finance alternatives are suggested. (MH)

Northwest Iowa Power Co-op, Northwest Iowa Telephone, and MCI formed Pioneer Holdings to bring the latest telecommunications services to residents, schools, and businesses in rural Iowa. A half-dozen towns and co-ops have joined Pioneer, which gives customers access to all telecom services offered by MCI, as well as technical, regulatory, and…

In a survey of 169 rural school psychologists, the major barrier to effective educational assessment was perceived to be inadequate special education program options. Other perceived barriers were inadequate adaptive behavior measures, inadequate time for evaluations, and bias shown toward a child based on knowledge of other family members. (JHZ)

This study of 174 students graduating from 11 small rural high schools in Iowa found that students felt themselves well prepared by their schools, that 80 percent went on to postsecondary education, and that most of these achieved a degree. Results are discussed with regard to the influence of the rural school and community in facilitating…

Compares the adult adjustment of a random sample of 399 high school graduates and dropouts with disabilities from rural Iowa school districts with that of 541 urban counterparts. Classifies subjects according to disability and analyzes information on their employment, fringe benefits, living arrangements, and postsecondary education one and three…

Iowa has the only state-owned and operated telecommunications network in the nation. The fiber-optic network allows schools both Internet access and true interactive televised communication. The network's many advantages to rural schools include the course-sharing league in western Iowa, which has worked through various difficulties of distance…