The Bender Gestalt protocols of 134 rural and 140 children (6-18 years old) found to have IQ scores in the slow learner range (IQ 70-84) were compared. The Bender Gestalt Test, used in psychoeducational evaluation to determine eligibility for special education placement, was administered to determine Ss' level of visual motor skills. Rural slow learners performed significantly below their mental ages more frequently than urban slow learners. Rural and urban slow learners performed developmentally below chronological ages (CA), but similar to mental ages (MA) until CA 10 years (MA 8 years). At this point urban slow learners appeared similar to MA expectations, but a significant number of rural slow learners performed below expectations. After CA 14 years (MA 11 years) the differences between the urban and rural groups, however, were not significant. (Tables with statistical data are appended.) (Author/SBH)