A course at the University of Lethbridge (Alberta) uses student portfolios of social and cultural perspectives on disabilities to challenge rural preservice teachers' attitudes toward disabilities and the philosophy of inclusion. Elements of the portfolio are described. The particular value of this method for rural preservice teachers and the…

The Devereux Elementary School Behavior Rating Scale II (DESB-II) was administered by teachers to 1,801 students in grades K-6 in 17 rural school districts. Results revealed that 7 of the 10 high-risk behavioral factors tapped by the DESB-II were considered problems by the majority of rural teachers. Includes recommended classroom interventions.…

A program developed at West Virginia University trains special education teachers to be collaborative consultants to general educators implementing inclusive education. From 1991 to 1994, 30 special education teachers completed requirements in two areas of specialization for teaching students with mild disabilities. In addition, they completed a…

This monograph examines the effectiveness of university-level audioconference courses and distance education in Alaska. It discusses some of the problems of distance education and examines different perspectives on audioconferences. Teachers and students, both Native American and non-Native, offer their opinions on audioconferencing as an…

This 1937 compilation of articles covers a wide range of problems within the scope of rural public education. The rural education issues discussed fall under the following general headings: (1) professional leadership; (2) rural school supervision; (3) staff training; (4) rural school district organization; (5) physical plants and equipment; and…

A study to determine teachers' attitudes toward inservice education programs was conducted in relation to the RISE (Regional In Service Education) Teacher Center (Connecticut), which provided two types of service: mandated inservice programs for participating schools, and voluntary professional development programs. Data for the study were…

The collection of 31 articles about Appalachian history, culture, customs, and education by people from a variety of backgrounds is intended to facilitate understanding of the special needs of Appalachian students by teachers and school administrators. Designed to address the problems faced in 16 specific counties in Tennessee, Virginia, and North…

A small rural high school initiated an 8-period day to offer students the increased number of credits required for graduation. Elective offerings, elective enrollments, and participation in extracurricular activities increased. Teachers and students liked shorter classes, grades improved, dropout rates declined, and teacher-pupil ratios dropped in…

Reports on an Arkansas survey that illustrates a technique for analyzing the school-related concerns and perceptions of teachers and community members. Shows how the survey can identify problem areas in the schools and explains how administrators can use the survey to improve school-community relations. (SB)

Compares attitudes of 50 parents and 18 teachers at Standing Rock Community Elementary School (Standing Rock Indian Reservation, North Dakota) toward multicultural education and desirability of implementing it into the instructional program. Results indicated significant differences (.05 level) between attitudes of teachers (more positive) and…

This paper presents an evaluation of the Peer Coaching Seminar Course offered through the Peer Coaching Rural Inservice Model (PRISM) project at the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities. This online course was designed to help rural teachers learn both peer coaching and classroom management skills. Twenty first- or second-year…

Although Zimbabwe has shown a strong commitment to improving educational access and quality, overall enrollment figures conceal major regional disparities and the lack of education and services in marginalized communities. One neglected sector of the population is the commercial farmworker community, currently comprising about two million hired…

1996 National Teacher of the Year--a high school teacher from rural Minnesota--reflects on the 30 years of her career and on social changes that have necessitated that her community and local schools work toward cultural understanding. The community went from a mostly white, middle-class, conservative community to one with at least six different…

A study examining migrant students' needs and the teacher's role interviewed seven teachers at a rural Ohio summer migrant education program. Findings focus on the need for teachers to learn and understand migrant culture, integrate it into activities and daily interactions in the classroom, and be willing to reflect on stereotypes and personal…

A survey of 121 rural teachers in British Columbia examined their knowledge about and attitudes toward the inclusion of special needs students. In addition, the study examined rural teachers' knowledge of and ability to access resources in the school district and their individual schools. The survey questionnaire consisted of 114 questions related…