Jean Stockard's (2011) article in the "Journal of Research in Rural Education," "Increasing Reading Skills in Rural Areas: An Analysis of Three School Districts," offers a productive opportunity to discuss the standardization of language and literacy teaching and learning in rural schools. The purpose of this response is to…

Argues that the gifted student is usually excluded, by definition in federal law, from classification as emotionally disturbed. Outlines areas of conflict that may lead to emotional disturbance in rural gifted students. Suggests positive teacher interventions to create a supportive learning environment and lower student stress. 40 references. (SV)