This paper extracts and elaborates rural secondary teachers' most effective reported motivating strategies. From the data generated by two years of mixed method research in rural secondary schools, these strategies emerged as among the most successful. Selection of best practices was based on a synthesis of what both teachers and students reported…

Describes integrated approach to teaching the arts which can be utilized in single or multi-grade classrooms in rural settings by teachers who may not have a background in any art form. Addresses problems of time, preparation, and resources that hinder curriculum development by rural educators. (NEC)

A nationwide assessment of perceived needs for improvement in smaller schools provided some serendipitous insight into reasons for less than ideal relationships between teachers and administrators. Although rankings within groups varied somewhat, there were seven areas of need recognized by both teachers and administrators. Collaboration and…

Describes cultural differences of Hispanic students in family structure, language, motivation, mysticism, machismo, touching, and time concepts which may lead to problems in the classroom. Suggests strategies teachers may employ to increase opportunities for positive school experiences for Hispanic students through recognition and acknowledgement…

Reports results of a study of writing skills of students, grades four through six. Reports school district size, sex, and grade level significantly affect writing skills, with girls writing better than boys and older students writing better than younger students, but effect of district size was inconsistent across grade levels. (DHP)