The author interviewed Dr. Carolyn Callahan, an eminent scholar in gifted education. The interview focused on Dr. Callahan's work on implementing gifted program in rural areas, and illustrated her suggestions for teachers, researchers, and parents on how to advocate for gifted students.

Suggests that the critical tradition in current pedagogical and curricular thought may be particularly well suited for rural schools. An interview with a leading authority on rural education in Poland examines the results of centralized technological and industrialized planning on rural Polish communities and schools. (SM)

Judy Schrag, director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), discusses the OSEP grant competition for personnel preparation in rural special education, rural dimensions of OSEP initiatives, and rural-urban differences in problems affecting special education and in approaches to mainstreaming disabled students. (SV)

Mr. Leidig discusses his English teaching career at Emory and Henry College (Virginia), where for many years he offered courses in poetry and folk literature. He believes these courses were influential with Appalachian students because they encouraged the connection between the study of literary works and student experience. (LP)

An interview with the legal activist, Janet Benshoof, focuses on her current activities (litigation and education about reproductive law), the development of her interest in women's rights and the law, her experience as a female law student at Harvard, her early education, her thoughts about special programs and rural education, and implications…

Uses question-and-answer format to profile Edna Compton, director of Dungannon (Virginia) Development Commission, an economic development group formed and managed by local people. Commission improved education, housing, and employment in area. Compton discusses process, achievements, and goals held by commission and herself. (TES)

Small town school boards are made up of conscientious, hardworking, and caring citizens who face arduous economic challenges and difficult educational dilemmas. The changing economy of small towns has led to fewer professionals and business owners participating in boards of education, a rift between educators who are bureaucrats and board members…