The goals for this quantitative study were to examine superintendents' perceptions regarding their own supervision and evaluation of principals in a rural state. Five research questions guided the qualitative inquiry: (1) What are the perceptions of superintendents' regarding their supervision of principals?; (2) What are the perceptions of…

This study addressed the question, "What factors do experts perceive as impacting STEM achievement of students in rural schools with predominantly Indigenous students?" A thematic analysis of interviews with 40 educators with a depth of experience identified six major themes: holistic STEM education, inclusion of local culture in STEM…

This article reports the results of an inquiry into the dynamics of principal selection in rural school districts in two mid-American states with high numbers of rural schools. The study focuses on two questions: (1) are rural school districts experiencing a shortage of qualified applicants for vacant principal's positions; and (2) what…

One process for retaining experienced, qualified teachers is to provide them with opportunities to grow professionally (Blase & Blase, 2001). The intent of this paper is to provide information about meeting the needs of experienced, qualified rural teachers, especially in the area of professional development. A story line of one rural science…

Through administrator and teacher surveys and interviews, this study examined recruiting and interviewing practices of eighty-three rural school districts located in, and between, the rural Ozark Plateau and Mississippi River Delta. Survey results indicated that districts with smaller student populations were far less likely to have an identified…

This article focuses on the challenge of teacher retention in rural schools in relation to the No Child Left Behind mandate, that school districts must attract and retain highly qualified teachers. This case study examines the extent to which a rural school enhanced teacher retention by overcoming the barriers that might otherwise have presented a…

Among 214 Ohio school districts surveyed, the values affecting teacher selection vary across district size. Small districts value enthusiasm, medium-sized districts personal integrity, and large districts the control of student behavior. Differences by district size were generally small for preferred teacher characteristics, screening procedures,…

Reports on superintendent selection practices by school boards of small school districts in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. Ranks importance of 15 applicant skills and 14 applicant characteristics involving educational experience or personal qualities. Suggests how small districts can attract quality candidates. (SV)

Addresses the shortage of competent applicants for rural principalships. Options for hiring includes (1) selection of principals from outside the rural district; or (2) preappointment of in-district candidates. Describes demographics of typical rural principals and the failings of university training programs. Suggests strategies to address the…

An American Institute of Physics survey was modified to determine major physics topics emphasized in small Missouri high schools and teachers' perceived adequacy to teach them. Data tables show the emphasis that 103 Missouri teachers placed on 38 physics topics, compared to national counterparts, as well as teachers' perceptions of their knowledge…

Responses gathered in a recent study of the superintendency in the Pacific Northwest suggest that less than 25% of sitting superintendents in the year 2000 were under the age of 50; and 40% of those who were 50 years or older planned to retire within the next four years. While the pool of potential applicants includes over 1,000 superintendent…

Addresses problems peculiar to rural areas that impede harmonious working relationship between parents of handicapped children and school personnel--changing characteristics of rural schools, characteristics of rural parents, and attitudes of school personnel toward parents. Offers suggestions to facilitate parent interactions with school…

Describes rural education in terms of its traditional values, characteristics, most persistent problem (recruiting and retaining qualified teachers), and ultimate challenge. (Author/AH)

Explores backgrounds and characteristics of principals who graduated from rural-oriented principals certification program of Westminster College in Pennsylvania. Compares results with other studies and finds only two striking differences between rural and urban principals: rural principals had little social studies teaching experience and limited…

A survey of 183 rural and nonrural science teachers in northeast Texas revealed that rural science teachers were often inexperienced, uncertified, young graduates who taught three or more class assignments in older, inadequately supplied classrooms. Both rural and nonrural teachers expressed dissatisfaction with equipment and supplies. Includes…