Over the past two decades, distance education has become a reality of rural schooling in Newfoundland and Labrador. In this article, I provide historical background into the challenges facing rural schools in the province and how distance education was introduced to address that challenge. I also describe how that system of distance education…

Based on a survey of rural school districts in Western China, this essay explores the effects of fiscal centralisation on the relationship between local governance and school district management, most particularly on how managerial power is distributed in the rural education sector. The essay also examines some of the possible effects that changes…

Reviews federal efforts to develop a rural education federal agenda, five basic problems of rural areas which lend themselves to federal solutions, Department of Education proposals for fiscal year 1982, significant federal responses/already in progress, and strengths and advantages of rural schools. (AN)

Introduces this special issue on the construction of a federal policy-impact code for classifying the nation's rural school districts. Despite the diversity in rural areas, rural education issues are somehow unique. The goal is to adequately reflect the impact of government education policies upon rural schooling. (KS)

Results of this review of college student retention research suggest that students from rural communities face additional challenges adjusting to large colleges and universities compared to students from urban and suburban areas. Research that describes the additional challenges faced by rural students while transitioning to large institutions is…

This analysis draws on interview data from a three-year study of educational decision making of youth living in a coastal community in Atlantic Canada. Students whose educational and mobility aspirations extend outside the known spaces of the community develop the ability to negotiate multiple social spaces in and out of school. The school- …

The factors of people, technology, structure, and task provide a sociotechnical model for understanding the essential elements of schools as organizations. Schools can be understood as cultures and managed as such. Effective schools focus on a task-oriented organizational culture that meaningfully involves all participants in the key elements of…

THE GOALS FOR RURAL EDUCATION, THE ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT, AND STATISTICAL DATA ABOUT MEMBERSHIP AND FINANCIAL STATUS ARE PRESENTED IN THE MAIN BODY OF THE REPORT. THE APPENDICES INCLUDE--(1) A FINANCIAL STATEMENT, (2) REPORTS FROM THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE STATE DIRECTORS, FROM THE COMMITTEE ON RURAL LIFE AND EDUCATION, FROM THE…

Problems and promises associated with nonformal rural education in developing nations are presented. (CP)

Traces the historical evolution of the teacherage, initially proposed as a solution to the problem of housing teachers and as a model home for the edification of rural families. Pinpoints the conceptual connection between the teacherage and the parsonage--each linking the institution to the rural community. (CAM)

Trinity University education majors visited rural mountain schools in North Carolina, finding evidence that countered their stereotypes of the conditions of, family involvement in, and attitudes about education in rural communities. Ways to improve the educational environment through distance education and reduction of inequities were suggested.…

The academic and social achievements of students in rural schools are very uneven and often absenteeism and suspension rates are high. Factors such as globalisation, economic restructuring, unemployment, youth suicide and family trauma, drought and environmental change (see Bourke & Lockie 2001) also impact on rural schooling and add further…

The consolidation of rural schools in the United States has been a controversial topic for policy-makers, school administrators, and rural communities since the 1800s. At issue in the consolidation movement have been concerns of efficiency, economics, student achievement, school size, and community identity. Throughout the history of schooling in…

For years rural schools have survived by solving their problems with cooperation, experimentation, and flexibility, the qualities urban and suburban schools are being urged to adopt in confronting their current problems. (Author/IRT)

Surveys typical challenges, problems, and rewards facing principals in small rural schools by profiling two principals who administer five schools in northern Vermont. The schools have a combined population of 400 students in grades from kindergarten through eighth grade. (PGD)