In the discipline of technical/professional writing and communication, one of the strongest recruiting tools we use is the potential earning power students will have once they obtain a degree and secure a job in the industry. This article is the result of two professors learning that one of their most advanced and dedicated students accepted, in…

Background: School nurses play a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of their students, but little is known about menstrual products and resources available in schools. This study assessed period product resources and needs in Missouri schools from the perspective of school nurses and analyzed differences by district enrollment…

This study explores the racial pedagogical decision making of teachers presented with the opportunity to address the #BlackLivesMatter movement in their classroom. Findings of more than 4,000 teachers indicate that suburban, urban, African American and Latino/a were most likely to address BLM through an antiracist positioning. Rural and more…

The U.S. Department of Education made recent technical changes reducing eligibility for the Rural and Low-Income School Program. Given smaller budgets and lower economies of scale, rural districts may be less able to absorb short-term funding cuts and experience stronger negative achievement effects. Kansas implemented a state-level finance change…

This article explores patterns in teachers' reported correction of student language use in speech and writing. The authors use the concept of language correction in student writing and student speech as a proxy for prescriptive approaches to teaching about language. By conducting a large-scale survey of all language and literacy teachers from…

From funding to teacher quality, inequities exist between school districts. This paper adds to the literature on inequities by examining the impact of pension plan formulas on pension benefits. Using data from the salary schedules of 464 Missouri school districts, this paper analyzes how various final average salary calculations would impact the…

This paper examines the impact of diverse clinical field experiences on rural teacher candidates? perceptions of their ability to effectively teach urban, diverse students. The literature framework supporting the study builds on Nieto's description of socially-just pedagogy and responsive approaches to diversity while meeting national education…

The 1968 Spainhower Commission planned extensive changes in the organization of public education in Missouri, proposing larger, comprehensive districts throughout the state. Intended to increase efficiency and reduce inequities, its reform proposals spurred widespread opposition from both rural and suburban communities. In the suburbs hostility…

Context and Purpose: With heightened attention to medical errors and patient safety, we surveyed Utah and Missouri hospitals to assess the "state of the art" in patient safety systems and identify changes over time. This study examines differences between urban and rural hospitals. Methods: Survey of all acute care hospitals in Utah and…

Studied health screening methods of schools in mid-Missouri. Found significant differences between rural and urban schools in terms of number of school nurses employed and percentage of schools screening in all areas studied: physical assessment, vision, hearing, scoliosis, and dental. Recommends improved health screenings in rural schools. (KS)

Among 57,139 parents surveyed in 296 Missouri schools, parents from dual-parent families and longer-term school district residents participated in school activities more than their respective counterparts. Parent participation in nonmetropolitan-rural areas was greater than in other locations when social and demographic characteristics were…

Compares fifth grade reading and math achievement scores for schools on the Missouri Mastery Achievement Test in rural and urban elementary schools. Found no significant differences between rural and urban schools on achievement. Rural schools were more homogeneous in achievement and SES. Free and reduced lunch status was the best predictor of…

Survey of 117 Missouri school district administrators found that almost all respondents were dissatisfied with current administrative internships. Suggestions for improvement focused on practicality; 6-month internships were preferred over 12-month, and over 80% would allow their principals to serve as mentors. Interest in collaborative planning,…

Compares perceptions of rural and urban Mexican American and Anglo families in 14 states on four aspects of family life satisfaction. Hispanics reported higher satisfaction in most areas, allowing for duration of residence in state, area of residence, education, income and family size. Includes 49 references. (Author/TES)

A study of 127 families and 50 child care facilities in 17 Missouri communities found that criteria for selecting child care were similar for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan parents; parents were more concerned with quality child care and caregiver "warmth" than with practical considerations; but ratings on caregiver warmth did not…