This study verified a need for the development of entry-level and continued training methods for educational secretaries in Oklahoma, with special focus on unique problems in the rural setting. The project aimed to: (1) ascertain if there was a statewide need for developing training for educational secretaries; (2) project during what time period the problem of entry-level training would become most critical; (3) determine what job skills are required of an educational secretary; (4) ascertain the most feasible organization to assume responsibility for development and implementation of the training; and (5) determine the preferences for potential solutions. Fifty-three educational secretaries and 52 administrators in public schools with student enrollments of less than 500 in Oklahoma completed surveys to provide data for the study. Nearly 100% of the respondents indicated a need for training development. Data suggest that the years 2000 to 2010 will be a time period when 62.27% of the entire work force will need entry-level training. Training should include the areas of reporting, computer operations, public relations, and banking, with focus on the specialized requirements and laws as they pertain to accountability in education. The researcher determined the Oklahoma State Department of Education, assisted by an advisory committee of educational secretaries, to be the most feasible source of developing a training program. Preferred training solutions were training workshops and a secretarial handbook. Contains extensive appendices. (KS)