Factors affecting the resources and service delivery in rural schools center on financial aspects (including high transportation costs and lower eligibility for vocational education funds) and human factors (such as smaller district size and lower population density and fewer and less varied occupational alternatives). Recommendations are offered…

With the advent of globalization and the growing concept that schools are marketplaces of ideas, educational administrators need guidance in ethical decision making. Moral dilemma is defined, ethical models are presented, and a process is described in which facts, resolution options, and values are reflected upon and decisions made based on…

A strategy for managing an effective special services program in a small, rural school (Wilson Creek, Washington) is described. The approach is built upon the nucleus of a full time special education teacher who coordinates schoolwide services. Responsibilities of this position include assisting teaching staff in mainstreaming special education…

This booklet provides sample strategies to ameliorate service delivery problems commonly encountered by rural special educators. Strategies to increase acceptance of disabled students by nondisabled peers include buddy systems and class activities that promote personal interaction, simulation activities, and social and personal skills development.…

This source book contains listings of resources available for educators in rural settings. This information was gathered from the states of Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming, by Colorado State University under contract to McREL. Practices reported involve staff development, academic planning,…

Community gardening projects can enhance community food security and improve the nutrition of project participants. However, limited information exists on the most effective models and methods for establishing community gardens in rural areas. A survey of 12 rural community gardening projects found a variety of program models: community gardens…

Home visits by the teacher can be particularly valuable in creating mutual trust, respect, and cooperation between home and school. This article discusses the benefits of home visits and makes specific suggestions for the teacher on how such visits should be conducted. (DS)

Outlines characteristics of effective technology-based distance-learning programs that meet specific local needs, incorporate current educational theory and practice, and satisfy the social and emotional needs of the students. Presents guidelines for program development in rural schools. (SV)

This article discusses current transition issues facing teachers and educational diagnosticians working in rural settings with disabled populations. Barriers to successful assessment and programing (financial factors, human factors, and visibility) are noted and seven suggestions offered for implementing a transition assessment and programing…

The document examines the nature of itinerant teaching with hearing impaired students in rural areas. The itinerant teacher's varied roles in working with teachers, administrators, parents, and students are explored. Needs skills, including mediation skills and experience in counseling, are reviewed. Suggestions are offered for interacting with…

In 1981 the University of Vermont redesigned its graduate level education curriculum and formed school improvement collaboratives with rural schools to improve instruction and supervision. Since the development of the school improvement projects there has been an increase in student achievement across the state. Includes a map, case history, and a…

This article describes prevention and treatment factors that can assist rural students at risk for learning difficulties to develop self-esteem and lead useful lives. Factors include social change, teacher education, community-business-school partnerships, family involvement, community education, interdisciplinary approaches to assessment, school…

Rural and urban family literacy programs share similar challenges in helping families work through obstacles to participation, such as transportation and childcare. However, the scope and nature of these challenges and the program management strategies to deal with them differ in rural and urban settings. Some of the most creative solutions to…

Despite problems encountered by the characteristics of rural education districts, successful and appropriate programs to teach gifted students can thrive by utilization of nontraditional techniques for student identification and by delivery of services through acceleration, technology, advanced placement classes, mentors, community resources, and…

This book describes the process of developing comprehensive health education programs in rural areas. Six school districts in the Pacific Northwest teamed up with specialists from five universities, an educational service district, and a regional educational laboratory to develop the curricula. The book includes an introduction, a summary, and…