Four case studies examined the effects of using taped books to teach reading to at-risk elementary school students in rural West Virginia. The study involved two kindergarten students who were identified as at risk for developing reading difficulties and two first-grade students who had been classified with a learning disability. The intervention,…

In West Virginia, an alternative special education program allows students with bachelor's degrees in fields other than education to become teachers of exceptional children. This program provides a route to certification in mental retardation, specific learning disabilities, or behavior disorders, as well as to a master's degree in special…

While most rural special education leaders agree on the universality of certain problems (funding inadequacies, personnel recruitment/retention, transportation, low-incidence handicapped populations, staff development needs, resistance to change) in rural areas, no agreement exists regarding generalizable solutions which will work in all rural…

The Rural Aide Model is a proven, functional model in which an aide or para-professional is trained in the components of the Teaching Research Data Based Classroom Model and provides individual instruction, under the supervision of a certified teacher, to one or two children with handicapping conditions. Usually the instruction occurs within the…

In an effort to gather information on the status of special education programs in rural areas, visits were made to 33 school districts in 14 states representing 4 different administrative organizations (intermediate school districts, cooperatives, county systems, single districts) and 5 geographical regions. School populations ranged from 850 to…

Ideas discussed at the 1980 National Conference on Rural/Regional Educational Programs held in Portland, Oregon are presented in this Conference Reporter. Following a summary of executive committee activities and speeches concerning the future of rural/regional education and stressing the need for educators to assume leadership in rural education,…

Summarizes research concerning culture and cultural change and reviews Anglo-American treatment of Native Americans. Demonstrates influences of cultural perceptions upon special education services and suggests a method for studying cultural perceptions to better serve the needs of Native American special education students, their families, and…

A survey of 39 special and general education teachers and administrators from 7 New Mexico towns assessed their knowledge and acceptance level of fully inclusive education within the rural, culturally and linguistically diverse state. The results were analyzed by two subpopulations, general and special education teachers, and the total population…

Assistive technology is equipment that improves the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Using assistive technology, children discover they have control over their environment and develop a sense of competence and independence. As special education enrollments increase, more students are using assistive technology, but many…

Most children with learning disabilities receive all or part of their instructional programs in the general education classroom. To prepare teachers to meet the needs of these students, the Department of Special Education at West Virginia University designed a course of studies for rural regular education teachers leading to teacher certification…

San Diego State University (California) has developed a coach-of-coaches model of providing support, assistance, and supervision to intern-teachers in its rural special education alternative credential program. Coaches, who are fully credentialed teachers with supervisory skills, make a minimum of nine direct and indirect (video analysis)…

Since 1990 West Virginia University has offered a distance education program leading to teaching certification and a master's degree in either severe/multiple disabilities or early intervention/early childhood special education. The courses were offered via satellite transmission, but in response to demand for these courses in areas without…

Alaska has been forced by geography and weather to look at numerous innovative solutions to improving communication between families and schools. The Internet is showing more impact than any other technique that has been tried. This has been especially helpful to parents of children with disabilities, due to a severe shortage of special education…

Reviews the development of home schooling and compulsory education, explores how special education law is interpreted within the framework of home-based education, summarizes state laws that affect home schooling and special education services in rural Minnesota and North Dakota, and summarizes litigation involving home-schooling and special needs…

A survey of 100 rural school administrators in the Southwest identified assessment skills, teaching methods, and parent involvement as the most important competencies for teaching bilingual children with disabilities. Respondents also stressed the importance of understanding the cultural and linguistic background of minority students. Discusses…