This document contains the 10 quarterly issues of "Rural Matters: The Rural Challenge News," published from Fall 1997 to Winter 2000 (the final issue). This newsletter focused on projects funded by the Annenberg Rural Challenge, as well as research summaries and opinion pieces on the benefits of small schools, place-based education, and community involvement in education. As the grant-making activities of the Rural Challenge came to an end and were superseded by an advocacy focus, the organization changed its name to the Rural School and Community Trust and relocated to Washington, D.C. Feature articles include: "Policy Matters: Large Schools Work against Poor Students" (Marty Strange); "In Rural Alaska, Elders Pass On to Children a 'Way of Knowing'" (Linda Martin); "Deep Discounts for Rural Schools on Telecommunications, Internet" (Vicki Hobbs); "'Circles of Wisdom' Joins Other New Rural Challenge Partners"; "Does Consolidation Deny Rural Kids Equal Access?" (Marty Strange); "'Wise Villages' Link Adults and Children in Real-Life Learning" (Toni Haas); "Court Deals Blow to Rural Schools, but Leaves Hope" (Marty Strange); "Resources at the Ready for Rural Community Connections" (Marylyn Wentworth); "School Project Grows To Support Community's Maritime Livelihood" (Julie Bartsch, Bill Clark, Gloria Jenkins); "Communities Should Own Their Standards, Rural Folk Say On Line" (John Eckman); "'A Lamb at School' Spells Learning for 75 Navajo Children" (Jane Lockard); "West Virginian Rachel Tompkins To Lead Rural Challenge into New Era"; and "$1.5 Million Lyndhurst Grant Will Help Rural Schools, Communities." (SV)