This study explored the variance in mathematical problem-solving achievement accounted for by sex and ethnicity. Each of 316 adolescents in a rural school district in southeast Texas was administered the California Achievement Test and a set of five affective scales. Reading scores accounted for 49.5% of the variance; computation, 14.6%; affective…

This study grew out of an objective of the Upper Cumberland Reading Project, funded under Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and serving 13 Appalachian counties of Tennessee. The objectives called for development of a diagnostic test especially suited to the needs of rural mountain children to be used by teachers as an aid to…

This guide contains materials which are designed to assist rural school systems in assessing educational needs, in systematically planning strategies to develop an inservice teacher education program, and in applying for Title III funds. Included are instructions for a survey and an inventory of needs, suggestions for the allocation of resource…

Recounts how Williamsport Area Community College and Milwaukee Area Technical College developed successful, well articulated occupational programs with good placement records. Success was attributed to quality of leadership, funding available, clarity of purpose, and support of community. (TP)

A survey of 127 high school special education teachers revealed a number of deficiencies in vocational programming for mildly handicapped students, with deficiencies more widespread for rural than for nonrural schools. Fewer rural schools administered interest inventories, used inventory results for placement, or placed mildly handicapped students…

A conference held in September 2000 focused on entrepreneurship as a means to create more and better jobs in Appalachia and rural America. This report summarizes the conference proceedings. In part 1, successful rural entrepreneurs identify their challenges and needs. Entrepreneurial success requires a supportive community environment, diverse…

Analysis of 1988 and 1990 data from the National Educational Longitudinal Study revealed that parental involvement had a small but significant effect on the change in student achievement from 8th to 10th grade. Rural schools did not differ from urban or suburban schools in extent of parent involvement, change in achievement, or influence of parent…

Comments on Foxfire rural education program, focusing on John Puckett's "Foxfire Reconsidered." Examines Eliot Wigginton's brand of educational reform, its ideological evolution, difficulties, detractors, and surrounding issues. Differentiates Wigginton's educational reform from both radical politics-oriented ideology (such as Herbert…

Compares the adult adjustment of a random sample of 399 high school graduates and dropouts with disabilities from rural Iowa school districts with that of 541 urban counterparts. Classifies subjects according to disability and analyzes information on their employment, fringe benefits, living arrangements, and postsecondary education one and three…

Outlines planning procedures and strategies that enable special education supervisors to fit work transition programs for disabled students to local circumstances. Discusses school and community needs assessment to establish program goals; alternative program models; and planning imperatives related to knowledge of the community, staff background,…

A case study of a successful alternative school in South Carolina for rural at-risk students suggests that the school exhibits four characteristics of successful urban schools for at-risk students: small class size, caring staff, school as community, and program flexibility. Two other vital features are the leadership role of the principal and a…

This special issue includes 14 articles on tech prep in Wisconsin, including a definition of tech prep and its implementation in a rural community; issues surrounding tech prep and why business and industry support it; the next level of articulation that must be reached; recommendations for implementing occupational options; and the dual credit…

Among 24 tenth-grade students in an isolated rural school in Western Australia, all intended to finish twelfth grade although that required leaving home. Students' career decisions were influenced mainly by their mothers, with little influence from schools and teachers. Girls expressed more criticism of rural schooling than did boys. (LP)

Outlines the policy framework for vocational education and training (VET) in New South Wales (Australia), provision of VET through distance education to isolated learners and students in small rural schools, issues related to the child-to-adult transition of isolated students, and the varying educational needs of students following five different…

In addition to her "never give up on any student" philosophy, Lois Rodgers has created an integrated, thematic curricular design that uses the brain's methods of transferring knowledge to long-term retention. She collaborates with community members, teachers, and students to improve teaching and learning. Her school is recognized…