Analysis of census data on 19,748 persons, aged 16-24, examined the extent to which higher rural than urban dropout rates are attributable to spatial differences in family structure or economic resources. Poverty status accounted for more of the higher rural dropout rate than did differences in family structure. (KS)

In 1990, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) was completed by a random sample of 1,448 West Virginia public-school students in grades 9-12. The sample was 51 percent male and 89 percent white. About 71 percent of subjects were aged 15-17; 39 percent were in the ninth grade. The YRBS covered behaviors producing vehicle-related or other injuries,…

In Kentucky, 105 of 178 school districts, or 59%, are classified as rural. State law and administrative regulations presume that most school districts are both rural and isolated. The environment for rural schools in the state is heavily influenced by the fact that the majority of school districts are rural. Each school district must have a…

One of a series on selected topics, this bibliography contains resource materials and research findings about aspirational needs of rural youth--including ethnic, male/female, and urban/rural comparisons. The 10 citations, published from 1966 to 1974, are drawn from "Resources in Education" (RIE), a monthly publication containing…

RURAL YOUTH ARE CONFRONTED WITH THE SERIOUS PARADOX OF OPPORTUNITY AND FRUSTRATION. OPPORTUNITIES ARE PLENTIFUL FOR THOSE WHO POSSESS SKILLS AND ABILITIES NECESSARY FOR COMPETING IN OUR TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED SOCIETY, BUT LIMITED FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNABLE TO COMPETE IN OUR SOCIETY EITHER IN JOB COMPETITION OR IN SOCIAL PROCESSES. THE…

A collection of papers by educators and health and social services practitioners comprises this reader on human services in rural areas. Part one, "An Overview of Contextual Differences between Urban and Rural Human Service Practice," also includes a paper on how to maintain confidentiality in a rural environment. The "Services to Youth" papers…

The objective of this study is to optimize the benefits of youth projects for Spanish-surname rural youth in the Southwest. A search of the literature published between 1965 and 1970 which is relevant to the problems of Spanish-surname rural youth in the Southwest is included. The survey population consists of Spanish-surname youth living in rural…

A synthesis of research studies pertaining to the status projections of rural youth is given in this report. In this context, status projection refers to occupational and educational aspirations and expectations. The three major sections of the report are: (1) an overview of current theory, concepts, and measurements; (2) a comprehensive review of…

In 1965, a youth aspiration study was initiated in six southern states. Data were first collected in 1966 from 10th grade students in selected high schools. In 1968, 12th grade students attending the same schools completed questionnaires. Then, in 1972, a stratified random sample was taken of 1,226 young adults who were previously examined. This…

Students (N=418) with rural and urban backgrounds in the 1970 freshman class of a large state university were studied over a four-year period. Attrition rate was consistently higher for rural students, suggesting a special set of stresses for these students. Suggestions for developing outreach and remedial student services are presented. (Author)

Change in place of residence projections among rural Louisiana high school seniors was analyzed for the years 1968 and 1972. A proportionate, stratified random cluster sampling technique was employed for sample selection. A total of 20 schools (13 white and 7 black) constituted sample selection for 1968. In 1972 public school integration and…

Very little research has examined drug and alcohol use among rural Mexican-Americans, and the few existing studies have yielded mixed results. Some authors have suggested that substance use by Mexican-American youth is similar to that of Anglo youth, but at least one study has shown that Mexican-American females use drugs at a higher rate than do…

In many African countries, rural-urban kinship ties support the education and economic mobility of rural children through fosterage into urban families. Demographic survey data from central Cameroon indicate major rural-urban differences in child fosterage relative to family characteristics and child's school performance, and show lower rural…

Investigated the attitudes and concerns of middle school students in four rural school districts to determine if their worries were the same as those of urban youth. Found similarities between the two groups, suggesting that rural areas are not as isolated from urban problems as they seem. Results suggest the need for relevant education programs.…

Discusses two primary rural disability issues: employment needs of, and outcomes for, rural youth with disabilities; and employability development and transition methods. Suggests improvements for service delivery through effective case management, parent education and support, and collaboration among educational and rehabilitation agencies. (KS)