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)

Profiles Margery Jacoby, a typical teacher at the turn of the century in western frontier, who secured a teaching certificate by examination at 15, took summer college courses, and was elected county superintendent at 23. Discusses women's access to higher education and administrative positions in the frontier west, teaching conditions, and…