This guide provides experienced education researchers with suggestions for conducting high-quality effectiveness studies to overcome research challenges common to rural settings. The guide addresses four factors that researchers must consider when conducting educational effectiveness research in rural settings: (1) study design, (2) recruitment of participants, (3) supporting and monitoring implementation of the intervention, and (4) data collection. The guide presents economical study designs that can help researchers achieve adequate statistical precision, use cost-effective strategies to support and monitor implementation, and develop alternative approaches for reducing the costs of data collection. [This guide was written with the assistance of Leslie Hawley, Amanda Witte, Shannon Holmes, Mike Coutts, and Ann Arthur].