Numerous innovative educational techniques and programs for children in a rural setting are presented, along with a suggested strategy for change in rural schools. Chapter 1 defines the role of rural education within the perspective of the prime goal of education in America: to provide equal opportunities for all to share in America's wealth. Innovative programs such as the Westerm States Small Schools Project, which have had major impacts on rural schools, are discussed in Chapter 2. Specific innovations (technological, strategic, and miscellaneous) are described in Chapter 3. The fourth and final chapter suggests a conceptual model which centers around individualized inservice training as a means to cause educational change effectively within a rural setting. The document contains a list of references and a list of selected sources. (AL)