Presents 10 guidelines for seeking legislative support and funding for new educational technology in small rural schools. Summarizes suggestions obtained in legislator interviews concerning effective proposals and presentations to legislators. (SV)

Stresses the importance of understanding the world views of diverse cultural groups and acknowledging differences in communication styles and patterns when planning transitional services for disabled minority students in rural areas. Includes suggestions for effective transition planning for culturally diverse students and their families. (LP)

This sourcebook is designed for children, parents, and families, detailing ideas for outdoor play and learning activities, with emphasis on involving children with disabilities in outdoor play. A rural perspective permeates the guide, although each chapter contains ideas for making outdoor environments more accessible and safer for all children,…

This paper provides guidelines for using video presentations in teacher education programs in special education. The simplest use of video is to provide students with illustrations of basic concepts, demonstrations of specific skills, or examples of model programs and practices. Video can also deliver contextually rich case studies to stimulate…

Planning assessment procedures for disabled young children is a concern that grows as the students move from among various community or state agency programs. This paper discusses the issues surrounding interagency transition procedures and introduces a guide for helping agency personnel define problems with the transition process. It also…

Rural gifted programs should be developed by the consumers in rural communities and should focus on the needs and strengths of the community. The unique aspects of rural schools should be used to develop defensible community-based programs. General gifted education procedures, such as developing peer groups and psychologically secure environments,…

The lead article in this issue discusses how linkages at any level from local to national government can help put into practice changing concepts of education and development. The 72-item annotated bibliography and the 12 project descriptions provide resources on the topic of linking formal and non-formal education. Examples from the literature on…

An effective way to help develop a strong rural educational program is to establish a business partnership between the rural school and the business community. Once a relationship is set up, the advantages for both the schools and business community could prove beneficial to the entire rural community. By cooperating with the rural schools in…

With budget limitations, additional expectations and accountability requirements, changing enrollment trends, teacher shortages, need for new kinds of services, and other difficulties faced by rural communities, partnership arrangements with the private sector and higher education promise new avenues for rural education to meet future obligations.…

Several targets, tools and strategies can help the novice director of programs for preschool handicapped children in rural isolated areas work with advocates and volunteers who may offer valuable help, but who need information and direction. The fragility of intercommunity relationships in rural areas often requires the sensitive use of talents…

Designed and written especially for the small, rural school district, this document compiles a variety of materials related to planning and implementing gifted education programs. The guidance model (using the school counselor to direct individualized programs for gifted students within the mainstream) is emphasized as a feasible program for…

Addresses differences between rural and urban communities in terms of family characteristics, home life, cultural values, social norms, and economic structures. Implications for rural special education include understanding the diversity of rural communities, developing relationship-based services, and considering ecocultural factors when…

In Australia, many teachers begin their careers in rural schools, a posting for which they are often ill-prepared. This book addresses the concerns of beginning teachers or other teachers about to take up rural appointments. The first chapter examines the context of rural schools, differentiates between "rural education" (education…

This book aims to provide practical information and insights to practitioners involved in collaborative international development programs. It draws on literature and the authors' many years of field experience to combine theory and practical tools as a guide to action in the field. The introduction defines concepts in rural development, outlines…

Designed to celebrate rural teachers' inventiveness and stimulate teacher thinking about opportunities that small schools offer, this booklet is a collection of ideas and resources that have worked in specific Alaska school settings. An introductory chapter challenges teachers to use small size to advantage. Chapter 2 shows what rural teachers are…