A case study of an English language learner in a rural Oregon middle school found that his performance in social studies dramatically improved under concept-based instruction. Methods such as concept-based instruction, which align curriculum and instruction with assessment, may offer solutions for schools serving culturally and linguistically…

Implemented the Orton-Gillingham and TouchMath systems of instruction to improve language and mathematics skill development among at-risk rural first graders. After 2 years of intervention, participating students showed marked improvement in reading scores, and those considered at risk for reading and mathematics difficulties at the beginning of…

Describes mastery learning, a teaching model that allows full inclusion of rural students with intense educational needs. The approach is based on curriculum modifications, team teaching, peer tutoring, and cooperative learning. Documents the success of mastery learning in the case of a rural first-grade student with Down's Syndrome. (LP)

Describes a summer mathematics inservice workshop for 39 elementary teachers from rural, small schools throughout New Mexico. Focused on minority participation, hands-on activities, and improvement of attitude towards the teaching of mathematics. Posttests revealed improvement in knowledge of manipulative use, confidence in use of manipulatives,…

A fundamental characteristic of a successful physical education program is that the students are interested and motivated to learn the intended objectives. Unfortunately, in many cases, students begin losing interest in physical education as they progress through school. In order to better understand this phenomenon, the authors explored the…

The aim of this study was to investigate how cooperative learning promoted the academic success of elementary African American males in grades 3 through 6 in a rural school in Mississippi. This study presents viewpoints based on these students' perceptions of what influenced academic achievement. In this qualitative study data were collected using…

In this article, the author reports findings from a project designed to explore approaches for improving students' mathematical learning outcomes in relation to the base ten number system. The project explored the role of a commonly used teaching activity, referred to in the project as the "base ten game," in developing children's…

This study is set in an elementary school located in a rural, Appalachian area and considers the reasons that teachers attribute to student success on state writing assessments as well as to what reasons they attribute their students' lack of success in moving beyond an average ranking. In considering these reasons, patterns emerge in the data…

Manitoba's secondary school system is under increasing pressure to respond to economic and social changes transforming the province. This report explores existing strategies related to curriculum development and adaptation, instruction, assessment, and leadership that could be used to restructure Manitoba secondary schools. A literature review…

This document provides a research study of a 10-year elementary school teacher science staff development project, "The Science in Rural California Teacher Enhancement Project." The study investigated the long term effects on teacher participants 3 to 5 years after project contact: beliefs about science, confidence levels about teaching…

The Learner-Centered Psychological Principles (LCP) were developed through the efforts of an American Psychological Association task force as part of an effort to add to educational reform literature regarding the learner and the learner process. The Learner-Centered Battery (LCB) was administered to 38 teachers and 656 students in grades 6…

As in urban schools, at-risk students in rural schools may be unmotivated, lack purpose for learning, have special learning problems, or come from dysfunctional families. In this paper, an experienced teacher in a small rural Oklahoma high school describes her efforts to demonstrate that at-risk students would improve in all language areas as a…

AN INDIVIDUALIZED READING PROGRAM FOR GRADES 2, 4, AND 5 WAS INITIATED AT PLATEAU VALLEY SCHOOL IN COLLBRAN, COLORADO, IN AN EFFORT TO RAISE THE ACHIEVEMENT LEVEL OF CULTURALLY DISADVANTAGED YOUTH IN RURAL AREAS. THE PROGRAM AT EACH GRADE LEVEL IS DESCRIBED IN TERMS OF THE METHODS USED TO GATHER PRELIMINARY DATA, IN THE SELECTION AND USE OF…

In multigrade instruction, children of at least a 2-year grade span and diverse ability levels are grouped in a single classroom and share experiences involving intellectual, academic, and social skills. "The Multigrade Classroom" is a seven-book series that provides an overview of current research on multigrade instruction, identifies…

Identifies concerns of teachers working with isolated bilingual students, outlining key principles for ensuring that they are seen as learners who must learn what all others students learn and still develop bilingually. The context is that of the south of England, but the concerns may be common to all educators. (SLD)