Outlines a model for development of a special physical education program, emphasizing methods that capitalize on strengths of small and rural schools. Discusses formation of a strategic planning team, assignment of special physical education staff, development of integrated instructional programing, relationship of regular and special education…

This guide aims to facilitate research and policy analysis in rural education by linking substantive issues to the data sources of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The guide may be used in two ways: as a handy tool for scanning NCES data that are presented with immediately applicable issues; and to stimulate, with sample…

Resources to support curriculum renewal in small rural schools are severely limited. This handbook reports how five professional teacher networks expand available resources through the collective efforts of network members. The networks are Big Sky Telegraph (Montana), Alaskan Teacher Research Network, Bitterroot Teachers' Network (the Idaho…

This book was developed as a comprehensive guide to rural education resources, exemplary programs, and products. The guide is organized according to federal regions (1 through 10) and offers almost 200 citations. The cited agencies and programs, including departments of education, schools, resource centers, and outreach programs, are organized by…

This manual provides screening guidelines for rural preschool and kindergarten programs and describes the development of a model Early Screening Program (ESP) that involves nine child stations and two parent stations. Screening stations developed for assessment included: (1) gross motor; (2) visual motor; (3) visual perception; (4) auditory…

Focusing on the Chama Valley School District's attempt to plan and implement a community council as a foundation for community education efforts in the rural Hispanic community of Chama, this publication offers "hands-on" suggestions in methods of implementing a community education program. Following a description of the school district…

Based on the 1980-81 experiences of 12 rural Colorado school districts' efforts to implement the 4-day school week, this manual was written to examine the key decisions that must be considered in implementing the 4-day schedule. The manual delineates the alternatives regarding each decision, potential trouble areas, and the ways one particular…

Samples of the approximately 1,900 requests for information received by the Rural Connection (RC) between September, 1977, and November, 1978, have been selected to give the reader a general idea of the kind of career information requested by guidance counselors in small, rural schools. The requests are organized into two main categories, each…

Identifies school financial planning techniques suitable for rural schools districts. Proposes a nine-step process: developing a planning policy, adopting a financial planning resolution, setting up a planning committee, analyzing district financial data, informing the public, developing the plan, presenting it to the public, amending and adopting…

This paper discusses strategies with the potential to enhance student learning, teacher collaboration, building management, and joy within the rural school setting. With the goal of fostering education that makes sense to students, three general categories of strategies are considered: curriculum, classroom management, and building management.…

The Margaree Education Coalition and the New Learning Project were formed as a result of a Nova Scotia (Canada) community's fight to keep its local school open in the face of government plans to consolidate schools. It is their belief that stability in public education is accomplished through the accommodation of diverse, community-specific…

Building a rural community-school development project where students engage in community-based learning experiences requires changes in the way schools prepare rural youth for the future. This publication examines the kinds of changes a school system must make before planning and implementing community-based learning strategies. Changes in…

Outlines steps and considerations in planning a technology infrastructure for a rural school: the need for a long-term plan; the elements of a well-articulated plan; questions to consider in assessing needs and interests in selected technologies; staff development; software and equipment selection; and funding issues. Lists resources on technology…

A positive public relations campaign specific to special education can stimulate teacher cooperation and principal support, improve community perceptions of special education students, and increase hiring of special education students by local businesses. A monthly calendar of suggested activities and guidelines for starting a public relations…

This book provides information supplemental to the accompanying videotape regarding the implementation and use of two-way, full-motion interactive television. Based on a study conducted by the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, "Local Heroes" describes in detail how citizens have implemented the technology in small rural…