Evaluation results are reported for a gifted education consortium, involving seven rural school districts and Purdue University's Gifted Education Resource Institute. Positive change occurred in teachers and other school personnel in knowledge level and attitudes toward gifted education. High satisfaction with goal achievement was indicated by…

Presents a short biography of Helen Heffernan, who is remembered for her years of service in the California State Department of Education, during which she developed educational programs that significantly influenced public education at every level. Heffernan developed programs for rural education, progressive education, kindergarten and preschool…

Eight elementary special education teachers attending a graduate course described 48 critical incidents that highlighted the advantages or disadvantages of their rural Kentucky areas in the delivery of special education services. Incidents were categorized and served as the basis for discussion of solutions to local problems in service delivery.…

This study of 174 students graduating from 11 small rural high schools in Iowa found that students felt themselves well prepared by their schools, that 80 percent went on to postsecondary education, and that most of these achieved a degree. Results are discussed with regard to the influence of the rural school and community in facilitating…

Describes past and present economic and social conditions of rural Victoria (Australia). Discusses disadvantage and advantage in rural areas and the need for lifelong learning. Analyzes the policy development of the Country Education Project (CEP) and obstacles to the implementation of the CEP. Outlines challenges and issues for the organization.…

Discusses the history, structure, activities, and goals of the Rural Education Research and Development Centre (RERDC), an academic unit of James Cook University (North Queensland, Australia). Since the 1980s, RERDC has conducted educational research, provided training for rural teachers and other rural professionals, and held conferences…

The University of South Carolina distance education program for preparation of personnel to educate visually handicapped people utilizes a video delivery system with a two-way audio talk-back system, teleconferencing, videocassettes, and alternative scheduling. Course descriptions and students' responses are described. (JDD)

Describes a preservice teacher education program in rural southeast British Columbia delivered through the collaboration of university, community college, and six school districts. Discusses student characteristics, program design and delivery, induction activities, collaborative teaching opportunities, and ongoing university presence. Presents a…

A survey of 25 Utah programs offering educationally based direct services to handicapped and at-risk children aged 0-5 examined administrator attitudes about staff certification requirements and desirable knowledge and competencies. Results are compared to the content of Utah State University's early intervention rural training program. (SV)

The University of Maine redesigned its teacher preparation program to emphasize field experiences, occurring every semester, that gradually socialize students into the teacher role, provide a support system for preservice teachers, and lessen the transitional shock often suffered by beginning teachers. Student comments are included. (SV)

Traces the history of Berea College's institutional mission, focusing on its long-term commitment to providing educational opportunity to Appalachia. Discusses the focus of each of Berea's presidents, including educating southern blacks after the Civil War; interpreting Appalachia to the nation; meeting Appalachian needs for secondary education,…

The New Mexico AIDS Education and Training Center developed a self-guided Internet course to help New Mexico's rural health-care providers treat and counsel today's changing AIDS patients. The Center also provides on-site customized training to rural health-care providers, acts as an information center, and funds mini-sabbaticals during which…

Interviews children and adults living in rural areas in the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India regarding education, revealing individuals' hopes and dreams against a backdrop of severe class, caste, and gender stratification. Examines the promise of schooling and literacy in India, the relationship of schooling and literacy to work, and of…

Rural case studies can be used to infuse elements of rural special education into preservice teacher education programs. The case method provides a holistic framework for applying previous learned competencies to new problem-oriented issues. Ways of emphasizing rurality through case selection or modification are discussed, along with student…

Valdosta State University (Georgia) uses audio/video conferencing in its teacher education program, a low-cost alternative to travel that enables student teachers to access the expertise of their supervisors more frequently; supervisors to observe student teachers; simultaneous interactions between supervisor, student teacher, and mentor, or among…