This report reviews literature on the effects of maternal alcohol consumption on the fetus and the resulting impact on the learning abilities and behavior of children born with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Recent reports indicate that an estimated 73 percent of infants are exposed to alcohol before birth, resulting in varying degrees of learning disabilities, developmental delays, and behavior problems that have a lifelong impact on the child's ability to learn and socialize with peers. Specifically, this report examines alcohol and substance abuse in rural communities; the developmental stages of children with FAS or fetal alcohol effect; terminology used in describing, defining, or explaining the effects of alcohol on learning and behavior; teaching and classroom management strategies for working with rural FAS students; differences between students whose primary behavioral disturbance is chemically related and those with an emotional disturbance; and descriptions of current programs and strategies for substance abuse intervention/prevention in youth and adolescent populations. Strategies and recommendations focus on overcoming limitations in rural communities due to time and distance as well as lack of financial resources. Also discusses recommendations for further research in rural communities. Contains 45 references. (LP)