Discusses consolidation as a method to reduce the costs of rural education. Describes the interrelatedness of the rural economy and rural education. Enumerates advantages and disadvantages of small schools. Suggests that educational reform should focus on the unique circumstances of rural schools. (KS)

Traces evolution of rural-school education plan in Colombia (Escuela Nueva), focusing on importance of Colombia's changing political and social climate in policy development. Identifies three phases of reform development and implementation: grassroots, formalized, and decoupled. Uses Escuela Nueva to demonstrate importance of recognizing dynamic,…

The second volume of the English-language The China Educational Development Yearbook offers international scholars a glimpse into key issues in Chinese education today from the perspective of Chinese academics, practitioners, and applied researchers. An edited translation of the 2009 volume of the Chinese-language "Blue Book of…

This paper discusses the primary educational needs of two Fijian villages, Nakawaga and Nukubolu, and three Javan villages, Harjowianangun, Purwosari, and Puliharjo, and inquires into the nature of a rational model of education for rural communities undergoing change from the existing provision of schooling. The paper's basic thesis is that…

Examines why the influence of the Danish folk high school grew in importance in rural Canada. (Author/DN)

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CONTINUITY AND CHANGE IN THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM OF A SMALL (3,100), RURAL COMMUNITY IN SOUTHWEST GERMANY WAS STUDIED. DATA WERE GATHERED BY THE AUTHOR DURING TEMPORARY RESIDENCE IN THE TOWN AND FROM CONVERSATIONS WITH THE MAYOR, TEACHERS, OFFICIALS, AND TOWNSPEOPLE. TWO GENERAL CONCLUSIONS WERE MADE. FIRST, WHILE THE…

In 1981 the University of Vermont redesigned its graduate level education curriculum and formed school improvement collaboratives with rural schools to improve instruction and supervision. Since the development of the school improvement projects there has been an increase in student achievement across the state. Includes a map, case history, and a…

Native American bilingual education programs in reservation schools and in rural, off-reservation areas serving a dominate Indian population are possible and provide valuable services. In urban areas, problems like geographic spread of the Indian population and a plurality of cultural/linguistic groups may prevent successful implementation. (MCK)

Long-term centralization of Thailand's Adult Education Division resulted in a preponderance of urban-oriented curriculum in a country that was 80 percent rural. Beginning in 1976, the World Bank-Thai government's Nonformal Education Development Project facilitated decentralization by sharply increasing rural staff, offering new career…

Discusses the rural educational needs that led to the development of the U.S. Extension Service in the early 1900s. Lists demographic, sociological, political, and technological changes currently affecting extension education, and calls for research to clarify the future of the Extension Service. (SV)

Examines 14 national educational trends or developments, 1989-93, and their implications for rural education. Covers shifting control of educational policy, national goals, accountability, redirected school reform, redesign of school governance, collaboration, school choice, privatization, state school finance, national educational technology…

Review of four articles on nonmetropolitan trends suggests that (1) access to adequate education and other services should be ensured regardless of locale; (2) urban-rural dichotomies are politically useless; and (3) rural schools and communities should pursue locally defined goals. A coherent comprehensive rural policy is needed that values…

Suggests that the critical tradition in current pedagogical and curricular thought may be particularly well suited for rural schools. An interview with a leading authority on rural education in Poland examines the results of centralized technological and industrialized planning on rural Polish communities and schools. (SM)

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…

Discusses the changing nature of rurality in Canada, due to increasing urbanization, and the need to redefine rural education. School district consolidation has resulted in larger schools and loss of community. Medium-sized schools have great affiliative advantages for students. Citizens should fight for the right to construct the kind of schools…