Discusses three realities used in constructing knowledge and their traditional research methodologies as basis for proposing a research agenda/methodology for rural education. Proposes use of conceptual empiricism and contextual appraisal of self, class, school, and schooling. Suggests currere (self-introspection technique), hegemony, and…

Presents results of survey of 53 representatives of teacher-training institutions offering gifted education programs. Reports over 60 percent believed differentiation of education for rural gifted teachers was necessary, with greatest need being in areas of program development, curriculum development, and identification. (NEC)

The article describes an approach to centralization of classes in a rural Pennsylvania school system with numerous small school buildings. The reasons for development of a kindergarten center are described as are the positive and negative aspects of the kindergarten center. (Author)

Describes the National Assessment of Educational Progress Model and outlines and advocates its application in research on rural social studies. Notes its usefulness in assessment situations. Explains how the model will produce data descriptive of a target population and will permit the comparison of local and national results. (SB)

Results of two surveys of 59 and 47 school board presidents from 26 and 21 different states, respectively, having district enrollments of 300 or smaller, indicated the most valued capabilities considered in hiring rural superintendents were interpersonal relations/communications skills, financial/organizational management skills, and good moral…

Finds no relationships between school district size and academic achievement in Maine's eighth grade students. Provides evidence that school systems within single level jurisdiction vary in the level of pupil achievement produced. Reports positive significant relationship that better qualified teachers are associated with larger school systems.…

Thirty-six Indiana directors of special education indicate that heavy caseloads and limited special education service delivery options are the most critical problems of rural school psychologists. The article discusses procedures which may be utilized to circumvent or overcome these problems. (NEC)

Reports results of a 1977-78 survey of administrators in 122 Tennessee school districts to determine psychological services available, immediate and future manpower needs, positions available, and appropriate training. Notes that most districts both provided and need more services and that psychological service differed in rural and urban…

Indicates 549 elementary/secondary teachers from four rural Pennsylvania districts perceived supervision to be helpful when teachers understood supervision was intended to assist in teaching improvement, teachers/supervisors jointly identified instructional changes, supervisors focused teacher attention on teaching, supervisors understood…

Assessment and comparison of attitudes of rural Wyoming special educators (67), elementary teachers (307), principals (66), and special education directors (26) regarding instructional models for disabled students revealed satisfaction. While statistically significant differences existed on 8 of 18 variables, the grand mean of responses fell…

Certification records of 435 Idaho science teachers analyzed by school district size revealed significant differences: more physiology, earth science, and chemistry I teachers in largest districts had endorsements to teach assigned subjects; more earth science and chemistry I teachers in smallest districts had neither major nor minor in subjects…

Reviews various sociological concepts of "rural" and the definitional problems related to occupational, sociocultural, ecological, and multidimensional conceptions of rurality. Describes and recommends multidimensional typologies developed by the United States Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Services and the Maine State Planning…

Traces decline of one-room schools from 24,000 in 1959 to about 840 today. Reports findings from 1984 survey of 643 surviving one-room schools in Nebraska, Montana, South Dakota, California, and Wyoming. Includes data on enrollments, teacher qualifications and responsibilities, student achievement, and school facilities/equipment. (NEC)

Shows how county superintendent of schools office was created to provide public services and evolved into highly bureaucratized organization. Examines complexity of society; legislated mandates/authorizations for services relationship to state department of education; quality of leadership; interaction with county board of education;…

A study of 198 students and 43 educators examined computer attitudes and knowledge in rural settings. Educators and students had positive attitudes toward computers. Educators demonstrated significantly higher knowledge levels than students. Over half of the students and about one-third of the educators indicated having a computer at home. (JHZ)