Library and information science education today must prepare future professionals to leverage various technologies and develop professional networks that will propel them into future careers. Increasingly, today's information professionals need to understand how to create identities, build relationships, and engage in productive work with others…

This article describes how out-of-work miners are engaged in the Empowering Education Initiative, a unique alliance between Country Music Television (CMT) and community colleges in Appalachia. The initiative, which includes a website and a series of country music concerts, is changing the conversation in the Appalachian region, giving hope to…

The Southwest Virginia Education and Training Network (SVETN) is installing a fiber-optic network that enables the use of 2-way interactive television and that eventually will link 60 secondary schools and colleges in 16 southwest Virginia counties. Students in these rural schools can participate in advanced academic courses that would otherwise…

The primary use for the papers presented in this report is to provide ideas and information to the Rural Affairs Study Commission members. The 1st paper is an analysis of some factors caused by inadequate financing. It is noted that rural communities have smaller, less efficient schools; less well-prepared teachers; smaller salaries; fewer…

This two-part report focuses on progress made by the Appalachia Educational Laboratory (AEL) during the first year of a 5-year contract. AEL's mandate is to work with educators in ongoing research and development-based efforts to improve education and educational opportunities in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Part I:…

Documents the higher educational and professional attainment of black and white students from two segregated, one-room schools in rural Virginia in the 1930s-40s. Data from life histories and interviews indicated that black students' inferior educational opportunities were offset somewhat by the values of their immediate community. Community…

Profiles three program awards for exemplary rural special education practices. Describes an Arizona program that allows teachers to pursue advanced training without quitting their jobs, an Idaho program of work experience and transitional services for special education students, and a Virginia program for normalization of students labeled…