A survey of 120 rural school districts in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington regarding issues and constraints of curriculum renewal indicates that strengthening instructional strategies, aligning assessment with curriculum and instruction, integrating curriculum, and preparing students for the next century were of most concern.…

Responses gathered in a recent study of the superintendency in the Pacific Northwest suggest that less than 25% of sitting superintendents in the year 2000 were under the age of 50; and 40% of those who were 50 years or older planned to retire within the next four years. While the pool of potential applicants includes over 1,000 superintendent…

In a time of growing interest in accountability, sharing school governance with parents, teachers, the community, and business leaders has become a norm. School councils or advisory groups have become a requirement for schools in many states. This research examined school council members' perceptions of issues addressed by the councils and council…

A study comparing block scheduling in small high schools to a traditional schedule surveyed 62 administrators and 152 teachers of small Missouri high schools. Findings indicate that administrators and teachers are supportive of block scheduling and that block scheduling stimulates changes in teacher methodology, improves school climate, and…

A survey of K-8 school districts in northwest Nebraska examined whether part-time principals mandated by Nebraska legislation were improving the school's instructional setting, as perceived by the school board president. The 41 responses of school board presidents rated importance and existence of 9 factors of the principal's role. Includes…

Surveys of 374 urban and 130 rural students at two western U.S. high schools examined student perceptions of classroom climate. Male students reported fewer positive connections with their teachers than did females, non-White students reported more positive reactions to classroom climate than did Whites, and urban students reported more positive…

A study examined 177 Kentucky secondary agriculture teachers' attitudes toward block scheduling based on teaching experience. Results indicate that less experienced teachers viewed block scheduling more favorably than experienced teachers, and all respondents agreed that block scheduling had a positive impact on teaching strategies and classroom…

Among 211 rural Kentucky schools surveyed, full inclusion of students with disabilities was practiced in only 9 schools, whereas approximately 80% had adopted partial inclusion (mainstreaming) to various degrees. Most respondents reported lack of teacher training, lack of special instructional materials and special equipment in the regular…

Uses statistical analysis and interviews to examine strategies employed by five small Ontario schools successfully using Independent Learning Courses (ILC). Charts schools' correspondence course completion rates. Surveys administrators. Links ILC success to program structuring, counseling, screening services, student progress monitoring, and…

A survey of California principals compared time allocation of principals assigned to a single school site versus multiple school sites. Multiple site principals spent more time traveling, visiting schools, and attending board meetings. Compares results with a similar study in Maine. (LP)

A study examined team-oriented counseling programs in rural schools. Surveys of 118 counselors from rural elementary, middle, and high schools in 6 states showed that most middle and high schools had one or more team-oriented programs. Elementary schools showed much lower percentages. No significant relationship was found between team-oriented…

A study examined the changing nature of teacher leadership roles in six small rural schools without formal teacher leadership roles. Interviews with 28 teachers and principals indicate that small rural schools might see teacher leadership in unique ways. Most frequently mentioned role categories involved emergence of teacher leadership due to…

Survey of 117 Missouri school district administrators found that almost all respondents were dissatisfied with current administrative internships. Suggestions for improvement focused on practicality; 6-month internships were preferred over 12-month, and over 80% would allow their principals to serve as mentors. Interest in collaborative planning,…

A study of stress in 120 rural teachers in Whatcom County, Washington, revealed that time management issues were listed most frequently as the highest stress factor, followed by lack of administrative support, poor student motivation, and discipline. Salary levels and violence toward teachers were insignificant. Includes teachers' predictions of…

Addresses the benefits of multiage grouping of primary students in small, rural schools. Reports on a survey indicating that 20 of 49 school districts in a rural state employed multiage grouping. Stresses the importance of considering child development when implementing multiage grouping, and concludes that multiage grouping may be the future of…