Dewey-inspired educational progressivism in the early 20th century is generally seen as an urban phenomenon. This article traces a tradition of rural progressivism during 1910-50, centered at Teachers College in New York City, and explores the implications of that tradition for educators and rural education reformers today. (Contains 47…

Though many maintain that current standards-based school reform is unprecedented, an educational reform effort begun nearly a century ago set standards for improving rural midwestern schools. Begun during the tumultuous Progressive Era, the standard-school initiative emerged from a larger concern for the quality of American rural life. A…

May Justus taught in rural Appalachian schools in the 1930s, then worked at the Highlander Folk School, which focused on adult education, labor organizing, and the civil rights movement. Her children's books reflected Appalachian values of commitment to family and community. She was a true radical educator, who drew on the region's best values to…

A review of novels and teacher textbooks from the early 1900s shows an image of teachers far more diverse than the nostalgic one held by many Americans today. Teachers were often young and poorly prepared in academics and pedagogy, and they struggled with disobedient students for control of the school. (KS)

Early political struggles over principles of governance culminated in our "commercially competitive civil society" in which numbers equate with power, resulting in disempowerment of rural people, decreasing rural influence on public policy, and consequent irrelevant education in rural communities. Education can provide the basis for a new politics…

Examines political, social, cultural, and economic variables that historically have contributed to rural resistance to educational reform. Discusses various roles of schools in the rural community. Demonstrates that the seeds of current debates on issues such as local versus national control of school reform are in the past. Contains 44…

Commission on Country Life recommendations (1911) for rural education reforms have been misinterpreted as attempts to urbanize rural schools. Reexamination of the Country Life movement might help researchers move from such defensive positions to one that exposes corporate forces profiting from the decline of rural America. Contains 30 references.…

Traces the history of rural education in Australia, including the influence of early British colonists, the emergence and eventual consolidation of state systems of education, and the implementation of distance education. Focuses on the development of education in remote areas of Queensland and government impact on rural education. (LP)

Discusses the historical development of Australia's rural economy and examines ways in which Australia's economic development and current position are reflected in national education policies. Concludes that the current national agenda for education may not fully benefit rural people as it is based on urban models that neglect specific needs and…

Proposes a model for rural education based on the progressive practices of a rural school in Israel in the early 1900s. Desirable characteristics of rural education are organized into four innovative educational models: education for work (including agricultural education); community education; social-ideological education; and curricular autonomy…