Describes sources of technical and emotional support that, although available to rural school counselors, are often overlooked. Resources discussed include university staff, long-term consultation, practicum students, writing articles, making presentations, neighboring counselors, state departments of education, and electronic linkages. Stresses…

The educational reform movement of the past several years has forced all educators to critically examine both their current and perceived roles. The following model addresses the issues of a changing clientele, a changing society, and a changing expectation of the duties of school guidance counselors. The first requirement of a new scheduling…

Describing the past two decades as a turbulent era for American education and suggesting that the coming decade will also demand great change, this article discusses problems facing small school districts, resources available to them, and some of the measures they might take to meet the challenges of change. (DS)

Offers suggestions for gifted education programs in rural school districts, based on practices used in some eastern Iowa districts. Discusses such considerations as program planning, program implementation, program staffing, expanding or supplementing the regular curriculum for gifted students, and facilitating interaction among participating…

Identifies unique problems associated with developing gifted programs in rural schools. Makes suggestions to administrators concerning proper emphasis on program planning, sensitivity during the identification procedures, financial and transportation difficulties, and fostering community support. 8 references. (SV)

Because of their visibility at the center stage of community life, small-town superintendents have a greater opportunity to act as participatory managers and instructional leaders. This paper reports the results of surveys with 25 small-town school superintendents to discover rural/urban differences, work patterns, and exemplary practices in…

Career ladders have been proposed as one way to address problems rural and small schools have in recruiting academically able and talented teachers, recognizing them once they start teaching, and retaining them in the teaching role. While there are differences in career ladder plans, there are also some common features, e.g., predetermined…

This article emphasizes the need to develop special education policy and practice appropriate for rural students. The article examines recommended practices for improving delivery of services to rural schools, services readily available to rural families and communities, and the role of the rural special educator. (Author/PB)

This article proposes the use of special education knowledge within a general education framework. Research on federal policies to achieve educational equity has shown that special education policies have created elements of an unequal educational system. Rural educators need to move beyond "special education" in rural settings, to address the…

This paper discusses the question of standardization and educational equity among rural school systems and offers three "fundamental challenges" for educators. The first challenge is to take seriously the power of education and to resist the temptation to reduce expectations placed on education and educators. The power of education is…

Contends that school size is an increasingly important factor in discussions concerning school effectiveness. Clarifies the current usage of the term "small secondary school" so that research can be conducted. Concludes that curriculum reform requirements will have an impact on determining effectiveness of education in small secondary…

Placement of field experience students (FES) in rural schools develops human relations skills and positive attitudes. FES may assist rural educators by doing paper work, providing individual tutoring, and working with small groups and on individualized projects. However, success of these placements depends on the active involvement of university…

Although the single-grade classroom has emerged as the most prevalent administrative arrangement, the existence of the split grade phenomenon continues to be a part of educational tradition in both rural and urban schools, predominantly at the elementary levels. Teachers are then forced to compromise curriculum to teach all levels simultaneously.…

A teacher at a small, rural Georgia high school discusses how she integrated folklore with creative writing and American literature. Students discussed and wrote about family and community traditions, organized a storytelling session based on ghost tales, and conducted a workshop in folklore and storytelling for seventh-grade language arts…

Suggestions for publicizing unique qualities and successes of rural and small schools use existing communication channels to emphasize positive attributes and help change the negative. Tips include: tell students, parents, and community about school goals, highlight student and staff achievement, reiterate the school's responsibility to the…