Explains how interactive television is expanding course offerings in two remote, sparsely populated Northern Michigan school districts (Cheboygan and Mackinaw City), how interactive television works, and how the programs were made operational in less than two years. Offers reflections about the program and plans for expansion. (NEC)

Describes integrated approach to teaching the arts which can be utilized in single or multi-grade classrooms in rural settings by teachers who may not have a background in any art form. Addresses problems of time, preparation, and resources that hinder curriculum development by rural educators. (NEC)

What is known about rural science education is derived from perceptions with little empirical data available. Science educators need to develop a database related to rural education to better meet needs of rural children. Available data should be analyzed to provided a framework on which rural science education may grow. (BRR)

Home visits by the teacher can be particularly valuable in creating mutual trust, respect, and cooperation between home and school. This article discusses the benefits of home visits and makes specific suggestions for the teacher on how such visits should be conducted. (DS)

Surveyed 225 South Dakota middle school educators to assess significance 18 social issues have for mankind and to what extent they are/should be included in rural social studies curricula. Ranked alcohol/drug abuse, pollution, and violence as top issues. Found issues not included in curriculum to extent educators felt necessary. (NEC)

Describes program designed to increase student attendance at San Jacinto (California) Unified School District (approximately 2,300 grade K-12 students) that includes goal setting, successive communications with students and parents, establishment of School Attendance Review Board, and student recognition/rewards. Reports average attendance…

In a survey of 169 rural school psychologists, the major barrier to effective educational assessment was perceived to be inadequate special education program options. Other perceived barriers were inadequate adaptive behavior measures, inadequate time for evaluations, and bias shown toward a child based on knowledge of other family members. (JHZ)

Addresses problems peculiar to rural areas that impede harmonious working relationship between parents of handicapped children and school personnel--changing characteristics of rural schools, characteristics of rural parents, and attitudes of school personnel toward parents. Offers suggestions to facilitate parent interactions with school…

Offers three examples of how low cost and innovative methods can be planned to bring expertise and resources to rural school districts: hosting a state/regional educational conference, arranging local evening classes from nearby small colleges/universities, and building/maintaining working contacts with computer software representatives. (NEC)

Describes survey of student use of microcomputers in 319 small and 350 large public high schools throughout the United States. Finds 99% of schools owned microcomputers chiefly for instructional purposes. Discusses problems of large student/computer ratios, high costs of microcomputers and software, and teacher reluctance to use new technology.…

Describes setting, rationale, organization, schools and communities, activities, and evaluation of a model small school cluster begun in 1981 in South Dakota. Discusses issues in implementing cluster strategies: goals, commitments, size, location, outside support, organizational structure, leadership, meeting schedules, faculty involvement,…

Special education teachers in rural and urban areas in California were asked to rate their present skill level and desired skill level for 13 bilingual special education teaching competencies. Both groups desired higher skills in all competencies, and both selected parent training skills as competencies they most desired to gain. (JHZ)

Recalls highlights on student days in a one-room country school. Describes school maintenance routines, individualized instruction, school programs, and holiday celebrations. Concludes that alumni of one-room schools are proud of their heritage and feel that the education they received reflects the nation's finest values. (JHZ)

Illustrates complexities involved in establishing school-community partnership in a cross-cultural setting--an Alaskan village of 500 inhabitants. Analyzes outcomes of a three-week multidisciplinary program developed jointly by high school students and teachers which utilized Native community members and resources to study kayak and boat building,…

Discusses factors related to the success of a mathematics program selected for excellence by criteria that included student performance on standardized math tests and the intensity of involvement in extracurricular activities. Outlines characteristics of the school's rural farm community, administrative and teacher leadership, and the role of…