This ERIC digest examines states' goals of rural literacy programs and the types of programs that have proven effective in the past. It includes several definitions of literacy applied by effective rural literacy programs. It also examines the conditions that support or limit widespread influence of effective programs in rural areas. The level of…

Organizations and programs with a major emphasis in rural education and small schools are listed in this directory. The entries--derived from a survey conducted in late 1985 and early 1986--are listed alphabetically by state within national, regional, state, and university categories. A brief description of the activity's function is followed by…