In this descriptive and comparative study, we present results highlighting the complexity and scope of the challenges facing rural districts as they navigate the changing demographics of the students and families they serve. Rapid increases in the number and concentration of racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse students in rural areas…

Clearly defining what rural means has tangible implications for public policies and practices in education, from establishing resource needs to achieving the goals of No Child Left Behind in rural areas. The word "rural" has many meanings. It has been defined in reference to population density, geographic features, and level of economic…

Discusses certain educational, demographic, and economic trends challenging rural education and summarizes Rural Attitude Survey results. Despite consolidation efforts, rural schools are poorer and smaller than nonrural schools. Despite their marginalization by the dominant culture, rural communities have precisely the qualities valued by critics…

To provide grassroots judgment on the validity of the 28 recommendations stemming from the May 1979 National Seminar on Rural Education and to determine how specific federal programs impact rural education, 179 invited non-federal representatives from rural organizations, rural educational systems, state departments of education, and the general…

A discussion of rural education in India presents an overview of the subcontinent's geography, history, philosophy, economy, rural environment, and population and relates these factors to problems and changes in rural educational practices and conditions. The paper points out increases in school and college enrollment, education of more females,…

The educational reform movement, rural economy, and demographics of rural areas of the United States require, if not mandate, that partnerships be forged in education among and between people in rural areas, urban and suburban areas, states, and the nation to provide quality education for students who will become the leaders of tomorrow. Through…

This paper examines trends that are currently reshaping rural America and rural education. It reviews the debate about how best to improve rural school districts, suggesting that what is needed is a better understanding of the changing context in which this country's public school enterprise is taking place. The paper begins by reviewing the work…

The rural population constitutes a large segment of the total population. Using 1970 census estimates, the total rural population was over 53.8 million people. Of these, 46.4% was less than 25 years of age. Of these 25 million rural youth, about 10.5 million were located in the South and 7.4 million in the North-Central Region. The Northeast and…

This report summarizes a study examining the current conditions and unique nature of rural schools in Kansas. The purpose of the study was to identify problems that could be addressed through educational policy and state legislation. A literature review reports on the distinctive nature of rural life, factors leading up to school consolidation,…

Since 1930, changes in definitions of "rural" population trends, teacher preparation, educational philosophy, school organization, and curriculum and federal funding have influenced the educational opportunities provided by rural schools. Dedicated leaders in groups such as the National Education Association's Department of Rural Education, the…

This report focuses on the status of rural education and is intended to provide information to education researchers, policymakers at the federal and state levels, as well as others concerned about issues in rural education. Specifically, the goal is to increase federal policymakers' attention to rural education problems, promote improvements in…

Representing over 72 different groups and agencies, 107 participants attended the May 29-31, 1979, National Seminar on Rural Education. Prior to the seminar, experts and practitioners in the fields of rural education and sociology were commissioned to produce 22 papers documenting, summarizing, and interpreting research and practice in 6 areas:…