This special issue of the journal Exceptional Children has the theme "Rural Special Education." Nine articles deal with this theme as follows: (1) "The State of the Art of Rural Special Education" (by D. Helge), looks at recent improvements, remaining challenges, and current functioning; policy recommendations are offered for national and state…

A new system of education designed to solve problems facing rural areas in developing countries is needed. Guidelines for the rural development functional literacy systems for Upper Volta, Tanzania, China, Cuba, and Thailand are described. (BP)

Examination of demographic, socioeconomic, and cultural factors in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, the four states served by the Appalachia Educational Laboratory (AEL), shows low student population density, endemic poverty, low educational attainment, and a population reluctant to seek outside help. This report reviews the…

This study about rural school and student characteristics uses recent investigations to focus on the needs of rural schools and students. The first two sections of the report describe rural populations and communities, paying particular attention to changes since 1970 and to regional differences in growth rate, economic base, and racial/ethnic…

In this period of limited financial resources and educational manpower, community colleges can benefit from the application of strategic management techniques to determine how to use their resources most effectively while addressing community needs. At Delta College, this approach was adopted to assess community needs for agricultural programs and…

A survey of rural life in Leflore County, Mississippi, was made so that rural youth problems could be defined in behavioral terms in an attempt to meet their needs. Data were collected in 1967-68 from 1,496 Negro heads-of-households filling out a questionnaire. The information was grouped into 5 areas: family, physical facilities, health,…

Examples of rural poor people in the Southwest are cited to point out the disadvantages with which this group must cope. Educational disadvantages suffered by the rural student are indicated. Exemplary projects developed in problem areas identified by the Bureau of Educational Personnel Development are indicated as a means of bringing about needed…

Documents that relate to rural education and small schools and have been indexed and abstracted in "Research in Education" through September 1969 are compiled in this bibliography. Over 300 publications are cited, most of which were published after 1965. The citations include a wide variety of resource materials (research and program reports,…

This guide contains materials which are designed to assist rural school systems in assessing educational needs, in systematically planning strategies to meet educational objectives, and in applying for Title III funds. Instructions for a survey and an inventory of needs, suggestions for allocation of resources to needs and establishment of…

Examines educational problems in subsistence farming areas of Latin America. Concludes that the most basic task of education in rural areas is to furnish knowledge and skills which will enable the population to obtain the basic necessities of life. (Author/DB)

Provides an overview of some of the problems faced by teachers in rural and small schools and advances the need for inservice and preservice programs to teach special competencies necessary for teachers in rural communities. (SB)

Building strong ties between Appalachian schools and communities was the topic of the Appalachian Regional Commission's October 2002 annual conference (Maryville, Tennessee). Main speakers focused on maintaining a long-term perspective on investments in education, creating rural "places of opportunity" that can retain educated people,…

Examines strategies for supporting program development in rural community colleges while simultaneously supporting the institutional mission and ensuring economic feasibility, quality, and excellence. Describes techniques for assessing program viability, ensuring program quality, and taking advantage of new opportunities for change. (14 citations)…

A high level of work-related and recreational noise has led to a high prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss in rural students. Teachers can help prevent this problem by integrating hearing conservation education with existing curricula. Educators could be trained about hearing conservation by professional audiologists. (LP)

Notes that limited opportunities for education prevent many Vietnamese people from realizing their full potential. Discusses the need for education and training, describes target groups and training curriculum for distance education, outlines directives and perspectives, and details national policies on open learning and distance education…