Within the existing framework of public education in rural and small schools, educational leaders must always seek new ways for achieving substantive improvements in the delivery of educational services to their students. Although much of the official concern for rural/small schools has been directed toward consolidation and urbanization, small school leaders are showing an adeptness for identifying and implementing promising alternatives for educational improvement. The voluntary sharing of services, staff, and equipment demonstrates enormous potential. Although the problems are numerous, the opportunities for quality education in rural/small schools can be found in local resourcefulness, creativity, external assistance, cooperation and a willingness to provide the best possible educational program. The review of literature in this document is directed toward finding ways to improve the curriculum teaching quality, and overall quality of rural/small schools. Items included for review are: strengths and weaknesses of the school systems, teachers' problems, teacher training, vocational education, services for the handicapped and other disadvantaged students, educational aspirations and achievements of rural students, and opportunities for innovations and improvements in the delivery system. (Author/AN)