Briefly traces history of decline and resurgence of rural communities, discusses school consolidation and studies on per pupil costs, travel costs, energy conservation and community pride and identity as factors in maintaining small rural schools. (AN)

Rural schools will probably remain small as more expensive transportation eliminates consolidation. New attention directed toward America's rural schools will probably therefore be of greatest value if it inspires greater creativity in dealing with the advantages and disadvantages of small size. Part of a theme issue on rural education.…

Examines history and nature of U.S. educational reforms and restructuring. Discusses implications for rural schools of restructuring, changing educational policy, and funding policies. Suggests restructuring can imply values of local control, community involvement, limited bureaucracy, and educational innovation toward raising school…

This paper examines and questions popular ideas about education and its relationship to the economic well-being of individuals, communities, regions, and the nation. It suggests that the criteria used to develop economic and educational strategies have produced mixed results at best, especially in rural areas. Since family income is related to…