Rural teachers are often undertrained in the identification and education of gifted students. This paper describes the principles and development of an online introductory course in gifted education that could meet the need for rural teacher training. Using the philosophy that learners construct their own knowing, the system for developing an…

Judy Schrag, director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), discusses the OSEP grant competition for personnel preparation in rural special education, rural dimensions of OSEP initiatives, and rural-urban differences in problems affecting special education and in approaches to mainstreaming disabled students. (SV)

Systemic reform, by definition, requires a concerted effort on the part of many toward change. In an effort to continue to promote systemic reform in science and mathematics education, a 3-day conference provided the forum necessary for many to share their insights and concerns on the issues. A brief discussion of four components of the conference…

A study sought to identify and verify the characteristics of rural settings and teachers that, in the literature, are related to success in rural teaching of students with handicapping conditions and to compare college faculty expectations and attitudes with those of local education administrators and master teachers. A survey was conducted by…

The proceedings from the March 1985 conference on rural special education present papers, abstracts, and presentation materials on a wide range of topics. Topics include: rural delivery models, a learning center approach to health and physical education, the microcomputer as an electronic teacher's aide, supervision strategies for a rural…

The article reviews new approaches to develop and organize adult literacy programs for the rural population. The entire program of teaching covered neo-literates, functional literacy, and vocational training. Curriculum development, teacher training, reading materials, and education of rural women are discussed. (JB)

Described is the 4-year development of a prototype program to train teachers competent in both the academic areas related to the visually handicapped and in orientation and mobility. Teachers with dual competencies were needed to fulfill the educational needs of visually handicapped children in public day school programs in rural, sparsely…

The data compiled for the North Dakota Statewide Study of Education and analyzed in this report indicated that, on the average, North Dakota urban school districts provided a higher quality of education than do rural districts. Two approaches were used to measure the relative quality of educational systems: (1) the direct or output approach, and…

This document contains the two issues of "Rural Mathematics Educator" published in 2002. This newsletter of the Appalachian Collaborative Center for Learning, Assessment, and Instruction in Mathematics (ACCLAIM) includes articles on rural mathematics education, as well as information and descriptions of professional development…

The University of Oulu (Finland) has a 10-year experience in distance education. Located in Northern Finland, Oulu is a center for small distant villages and towns in Lapland. The Department of Educational Sciences and Teacher Education at the University of Oulu is a leading institution in the field of distance learning. Students complete their…

A conference of 47 science, mathematics, and technology educators and rural education experts from across the country prepared a research agenda regarding science and mathematics achievement in poor, rural schools. Researchable questions were grouped into categories of community support, instructional resources, leadership and school reform,…

Warns that agriculture is the foundation of the national economy and that economic development depends on the scientific and technological skills of the peasants. Stresses that China must avoid concentration on urban education only. Identifies teacher preparation as the key factor in reform and urges scientific research support. (NL)

Statement of American Council on Rural Special Education's Early Childhood Special Education Task Force on rural implementation of federal Titles I and II. Emphasizes need for state planning, professional representation of children, and parent involvement in special education decisions. Discusses family role, service delivery, and teacher…

Surveys the history of education in Mexico, examining Aztec, colonial, and post-colonial education and education in the nationalistic or modern period. Describes the organization of schools, and discusses the continuing problem of rural education. Looks at teacher education and higher education, and outlines learning theories predominant in…

Rural teaching is a phenomenon often characterised by transitions: transitions from urban or regional universities to rural communities, between rural teaching posts and others, and from classroom teaching to leadership responsibilities. In the last century many Australian teachers have begun their careers, that is, they have undertaken the…