Educational achievement in rural America is one of the country's great overlooked challenges. Rural students achieve below the U.S. average on national tests, and high school dropout rates are higher and college attendance lower than they are in cities and suburbs. When the U.S. Department of Education asks low-achieving schools to be turned…

As Internet technology encroached on the public school classroom about a decade ago, Kim Ross, superintendent of the Houston School District in Houston, Minnesota, saw an opportunity. At first, he and his administrative team simply wanted to offer students in the district of 1,300 access to more classes via the web than what a district that size…

Data from Kansas' 265 rural school districts from 1978-1979 through 1983-1984 revealed that there were 928 principal turnovers during that period. There were 931 possible principalships: 286 high school principals and 36 assistant principals; 72 middle school principals; and 537 elementary school principals. Total principal changes reached a high…

Surveyed Kansas teachers from small, medium, and large schools to determine if there were differences in instructional duties of teachers in schools of different sizes. Revealed that, although there were many similarities in types of duties required, teachers in small schools do have more noninstructional duties. (AH)

Identified characteristics perceived by students, educators, school board members, and the community to be the most important indicators of school quality in small school districts in Kansas. Determined the degree to which characteristics are present in selected small and rural schools. Respondents perceived their schools positively on the…

The proceedings consist of the entire major addresses of Senator Nancy Landon Kassebaum, Steve Miller, and Walter Turner, and abbreviated versions of 29 other papers or presentations. The materials deal with a variety of rural-focused topics: women (Evelyn Hausmann); teacher career ladder plans (Paul Burden); inservice (Robert Norton, Myron…

Investigates the effects on school personnel of transferring all four elementary principals in a small rural district. Concludes that the move provided the challenge and motivation for professional growth for administrators, a change in administrative style for staff, and no noteworthy negative effects. (SV)

Three surveys deal with the architectural aspects of country schools in eastern, western and northeastern Kansas. Although country schools of the late 1800's and early 1900's often sprang up before there were pupils to attend them, the surveys reveal that many early schools were 3-month subscription schools which generally did not have their own…

This paper provides tips and resources for the recruitment, selection, and induction of teachers and other school personnel. These materials were developed with rural and small schools in mind; some resources focus on Kansas. Means of recruitment are discussed, including internal search, referrals, college and university placement services,…

Studies condition of school facilities in 223 rural and small schools in Kansas in 1984. Finds condition of facilities closely related to bonded indebtedness of the school district and replacement estimates exceeding $56 million. Discusses inability of wealth-poor districts to maintain buildings and need for legislative action on equity issues.…

A successful teacher induction program developed by Emporia State University and implemented in 20 small rural Kansas school districts uses a seminar format that promotes reflection on teaching practices and collegial interchange. Program structure and participants, seminar purposes and content, and program outcomes are discussed. (SV)

In 1958, as a result of a preliminary report on educational needs, the education committee of the Kansas Legislative Council: (1) appropriated funds for a comprehensive survey of the State's educational system; (2) selected a 35 member citizens state advisory committee; and (3) directed each county to organize a county survey group which was to…

A year-long study investigated the perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs of rural educators concerning gifted learners and their educational needs. Participants were all K-12 teachers (43) and administrators (3) in a single, rural southeastern Kansas school district serving 518 students. During the study, conducted in school year 1985, teachers…

Technological delivery systems currently available or in use are examined for adaptability by rural schools, especially high schools faced with increasing demands to expand curriculum. This report focuses on the Mid-Continent Regional Educational Laboratory's (McREL's) service area of Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South…

This collection of conference papers covers various aspects of rural education in changing times. The conference focused on changes and innovations in rural education and on reasons why rural educators can be optimistic. The proceedings report includes brief papers and workshop summaries on topics ranging from rural public relations to…