Provides an overview of this special issue that examines the implementation of the Safe Schools/Healthy Students (SS/HS) Initiative in seven local communities. An overview of the SS/HS Initiative is provided. Critical lessons learned from the seven sites are discussed with a focus on the special role that school psychologists can play in…

Research shows a significant positive relationship between student test readiness instruction and test score gains. Teaching test-taking techniques lead to more accurate and valid test scores. Discusses elements of a test readiness curriculum for rural schools. (KS)

Examination of interviews and surveys provides an overview of the problems and needs of rural school teachers in multigrade classrooms. A review of research and teacher reports in the U.S. and other countries compares instructional methods in multigrade and single grade classrooms. Implications for teacher preparation, classroom organization, and…

Examines the effectiveness of a peer mediation program in which 6th-8th grade students (N=30) were trained to serve as mediators for peers in conflict. Mediators' responses to written tests indicated increased knowledge of mediation skills after training. Results reveal that 32 of 34 mediations resulted in satisfactory conflict resolution and that…

This paper describes the research and development of a conceptual framework to use in restructuring rural schools. In reviewing the literature of school restructuring, citations were categorized under concepts related to fundamental change. Initial assumptions about school restructuring were identified, such as "learning is participatory."…

This brief reports on a day-long workshop where eight rural teaching principals shared the joys and frustrations of their multiple roles. The multiple roles of teaching principals in the school and community result in role conflict and role ambiguity, which leads to stress and anxiety. Newly hired teaching principals are often caught between…

This paper describes a two-stage case study of teachers and teaching between 1830 and 1988 in Vermont, with particular attention to rural environments. The preponderance of data were in the form of diaries, letters, various types of printed records, monographs, and the transcripts of numerous interviews and conversations. The central purpose of…

Drawn from a larger paper on geographical isolation, these pages present a review of literature pertaining to geographical isolation factors. The inclusion of a geographical isolation factor in a state's distribution formula for foundation aid is a mechanism for providing additional revenue to small schools or school districts that, because of…

Much progress has been made in the quest for better rural schools. In 1977, People United for Rural Education (PURE) began its work as an advocate for rural education and small schools. In 1979, PURE was notified that it was to receive the National Volunteer Activist Award. In 1980, the Rural/Regional Education Association became the Rural…

The Entrepreneurial Campus Initiative (ECI) is a collaborative effort between the Northland Foundation, the Northeast Entrepreneur Fund and the Center for Rural Policy and Development. The purpose of the initiative is to explore and design new ways in which rural college campuses can be more engaged in entrepreneurship and business development in…

Gifted and talented children have cognitive and affective characteristics that set them apart from their more typical classmates. These characteristics may be particularly problematic in rural areas where stability, traditional values, small schools, and self-sufficiency can be at once a barrier and a support. This paper discusses the…

Reviews limited research on rural teachers in British Columbia. Finds that rural teachers have more experience than previously, are increasingly male, there is a serious mismatch between teacher expectations and current conditions, and lack of public interest and support has had a damaging effect on today's rural teachers. (BRR)

Outlines concerns that cause beginning teachers to leave rural schools. Discusses components of an overall teacher recruitment strategy, benefits of living and teaching in rural areas, and possible teacher incentives. Lists teacher retention strategies based on community or social environment, staff development, support procedures, or incentives.…

Recent court decisions indicate a movement towards supporting more integrated educational settings for students with disabilities. Recent legal decisions are discussed with regard to least restrictive environment, benefits of self-contained or regular education placement, supplemental aids and services, curriculum modifications, continuum of…

Rural and urban elementary schools implemented collaborative consultation to serve special education students. In the rural school, the special education teacher spends 4 days per week in the classrooms. She spends Wednesdays and 1 week out of 5 testing, writing IEPs, planning, and completing paperwork. The principal, instructional assistant, TAG…