The paper explores the role of the Society for the Provision of Education in Rural Australia (SPERA) and the challenges it has faced as the primary voice for Australian rural educators. The paper charts the origins of SPERA, and the contributions of key people involved in its foundation. The paper then examines the advocacy and impact of SPERA…

"Learnscapes" are places where learning has been designed in ways that enhance the interaction with an environment (Tyas-Tunggal, 1997). A small rural primary school has creatively adopted a "Learnscape" as a significant focus to engage with its community. Within the school the Learnscapes Program works from the classroom to…

A study in three rural New South Wales (Australia) schools examined the educational impact of videoconferencing on learning outcomes for students in grades 11 to 12. Both students and teachers stated that the videoconference system created significant advantages, enhancing teacher/student interaction and leading to improved learning outcomes, but…

This paper examines attitudes of longtime teachers toward teaching and living in rural communities in New South Wales (Australia). The findings are part of a 2-year study of 1100 teachers with at least 6 years experience in their schools. Over 90 percent of the teachers indicated that they were satisfied with their jobs; about two-thirds indicated…

Reports on the education provided by three rural Australian central schools, as perceived by their administrators, teachers, students, and parents. Emphasizes the importance of the central school as a community focal point, the benefits of small class size, and the desire for a broader curriculum. Contains 10 references. (SV)

Twenty-three second-year education students at Charles Sturt University (New South Wales) participated in a three-week practicum program at remote rural schools. Participants offered generally positive comments about the value of the teaching and living experience and willingness to teach in such schools in the future. (SV)

Surveys of small, mostly rural, schools in Ontario (Canada) and New South Wales (Australia) found remarkably similar responses from the two locations with regard to the creation of school councils; membership; council's role in policy making, policy advice, budget functions, and accountability; how councils benefit their schools; and council…

The aim of school councils in New South Wales (Australia) is to ensure that the whole community is involved in all important decisions made by the school. The impetus for school councils began in 1990, and in 1995 the Department of School Education placed their formation on its priority agenda in response to their slow rate of establishment. Two…