The Holmes Group Report recommended strategies to create better, more professional teachers through longer educational programs, more liberal arts content, higher entry and exit criteria, and career ladders. Such reforms focus on urban needs and may increase rural teacher shortages, teacher salaries, and consolidation pressures. Contains 34…

Argues that preparation for rural teaching should include a seminar focusing on the literature about rural schooling and rural community dynamics. Suggests a curriculum of agrarian literature to help the future rural teacher deal with xenophobia, differing aspirations, and common illusions about rural life. (DHP)

The reflective inquiry approach to teacher preparation is based on analysis of teaching "cases" and is particularly relevant for teachers in Alaska's rural multicultural schools. Students learn to ask ethical as well as pedagogical questions and to reflect upon larger issues imbedded in the details of school life. (Author/SV)

Traditional administrator training programs are irrelevant to and grossly inadequate for the work responsibilities found in the school principalship. Preparation programs for the rural principalship should include a partnership between university and school district, an exacting selection process, internship field experience, and individualized…

The University of Maine redesigned its teacher preparation program to emphasize field experiences, occurring every semester, that gradually socialize students into the teacher role, provide a support system for preservice teachers, and lessen the transitional shock often suffered by beginning teachers. Student comments are included. (SV)

For six years, San Jose State University has offered a training program aimed at the problems of special education teacher recruitment and preparation in rural areas. Program features include Rural Community Advisory Committee which participates in student recruitment and program development, instruction via interactive television, field-site…

To improve elementary science instruction in rural and small schools, the University of Tennessee at Martin developed a successful research-based model for inservice teacher education that included teacher developed curricular materials, multidisciplinary content, hands-on science instruction, local team leadership development, and joint training…

Describes the New Mexico Rural Science Education Project, a school-university-museum cooperative effort that seeks to improve rural elementary science education through teacher workshops, teacher-developed materials on local themes, individualized support services, and natural history field schools for teachers and students. (SV)

A successful teacher induction program developed by Emporia State University and implemented in 20 small rural Kansas school districts uses a seminar format that promotes reflection on teaching practices and collegial interchange. Program structure and participants, seminar purposes and content, and program outcomes are discussed. (SV)

Interviews and observations in over 25 Greek and Turkish schools in rural Cyprus examined educational policy formation, teacher preparation and assignment, class size, teacher salaries and promotion, and student behavior and outcomes. Society's influences on educational conditions and outcomes are discussed with reference to American rural…

Describes 10 award-winning programs at rural and small schools, involving teacher induction and collegiality; improving student writing through word processing; integrating Indian Studies into the curriculum; developing self-esteem through peer teaching; student entrepreneurship; substance abuse prevention; training rural special education…

Describes evaluation of Japanese educational system. Contrasts differences in National Ministry of Education functions, learning time, examinations, career rewards with American system. Examines Japanese rural school organization, funding, administrative certification/staffing, instructional certification/staffing, salaries, instruction, and…