Examination of demographic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, the four states served by the Appalachia Educational Laboratory (AEL), shows low student population density, endemic poverty, low educational attainment, and a population reluctant to seek outside help. This report reviews the…

Although there are many sources of information about "effective schools" programs, those that specifically address the needs of rural areas are often overlooked. This document offers a collection of program descriptions to help educators determine programs and practices that appear to be effective in rural and small schools. Program…

ON-THE-JOB INSERVICE EDUCATION FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS WAS INVESTIGATED IN FOUR RURAL, CULTURALLY DEPRIVED, AND ECONOMICALLY DEPRESSED SCHOOL DISTRICTS. THE INVESTIGATIONS CONSISTED OF A TEAM OF SPECIALISTS IN SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION, CURRICULUM, SUPERVISION, AND INSERVICE EDUCATION WORKING WITH TEAMS OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS IN LOCAL SCHOOL…

Among 211 rural Kentucky schools surveyed, full inclusion of students with disabilities was practiced in only 9 schools, whereas approximately 80% had adopted partial inclusion (mainstreaming) to various degrees. Most respondents reported lack of teacher training, lack of special instructional materials and special equipment in the regular…

This action research presents data about an online Master of Arts in Education (MAE) in Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD), P-12 at Western Kentucky University. During extensive program revisions, the program developed a collaborative assessment model while preparing more than 300 special education personnel for work in rural schools.

Use of the School Climate and Context Inventory (SCCI) as a measure of school climate was investigated. The SCCI had previously been used as a measure of climate in a study of six rural high schools in Kentucky and Tennessee; in the current study, the SCCI was administered to 20 faculty members from each school. Split-half correlation and…

This report is based on an almost 5-year continual study of selected collaboratives engaged in education reform and improvement with a focus on science, math, and technology in schools serving K-12 students in rural America. This version of the final report of the study is primarily intended for use by educators, decision makers, and others who…

For five years, a collaborative team consisting of a special education teacher, a general education teacher, and a university professor conducted research studies in a rural secondary school. Although the general education teacher initially was reluctant to participate in a research project, especially one that involved students with disabilities,…

A study explored the multicultural predispositions of Appalachian college students. Surveys addressing 23 variables related to demography, ideology, race perceptions, and university were returned by 437 students in 12 majors at Moorehead State University (Kentucky). Results indicate that the students of Eastern Kentucky gave tepid support to…

A study examined the extent to which demographic factors predict rural values in Kentucky public school district hiring officials. Among the demographic factors considered were school district metropolitan classification, school district size, community racial composition, decision makers' position in the organizational hierarchy, and decision…

Describes a project in which Kentucky second grades developed puppet shows and photography activities based on traditional Appalachian oral tales. Discusses student progress in language arts skills, creativity, use of audiovisual equipment, and group cooperation. (SV)

The impact of Kentucky state testing on educational practices in Kentucky public schools was investigated via a survey study. Randomly selected urban and nonurban teachers and principals (4 groups, N=180) throughout the state participated in the survey. Findings indicate that this state testing program has substantial impact on educational…

In spite of a mandate to create educational equality, the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) has not eliminated inequalities in school performance scores, and the problem may even be getting worse. The objective of this study is to determine the disparities that exist among Kentucky's eight Service Center regions. The analysis uses school…

The school/community improvement process adapted by the Rural, Small Schools Program at the Appalachia Educational Laboratory (AEL) serves to revitalize and improve rural schools, incorporating commitment of both school and community leaders to rural school improvement. This paper describes implementation of the process in four school districts,…

Written in a simple question/answer format, this manual is designed to assist educators in locating information on how to develop and implement a career education program in a rural area. Chapter I gives a historical overview of the career education program in the Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative area. Chapter II details the various…