The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived effectiveness of leadership in a Missouri rural K-8 school with a high incidence of poverty that consistently met federal and state accountability mandates. The concepts of accountability as measured by student achievement, the unique educational needs of children from poverty, and the…

An evaluation of Montana's alternative certification program for special education teachers surveyed 117 current students, graduates, mentors, and administrators. Results indicated appreciation for the program but perceived needs for more instruction in severe disabilities, behavior management, development of individualized education programs, and…

A study examining principal termination surveyed 372 Missouri school superintendents, most from rural districts. The most frequent reason for principal termination was inability to communicate effectively and collaborate with school and community members. Most dismissals resulted from administrative recommendations, 28 percent resulted from board…

In 1996, South Dakota created the position of "chief executive officer" (CEO)--the lead administrator of a local school district without formal training in education. A survey completed by 126 certified superintendents and 29 self-reported CEOs compared the two groups' attitudes concerning their own professional development and the most important…

Because of their ethnic/racial homogeneity, Appalachian schools often see multicultural education as irrelevant. Teacher education must link the oppression of Appalachia with that of more visible minority groups; show how knowledge is subjective; and emphasize that true national unity results from honoring diversity. Teachers will then realize…

Surveys completed by 147 rural Missouri secondary science teachers indicated that only 70 percent were certified in their teaching area, lectures were the dominant teaching strategy, student interest in science was low, the use of inquiry in teaching was low, laboratory facilities and funding for supplies were inadequate, and teaching materials…

Describes the major characteristics of elementary school education in rural China and the problems that confront rural educators. Discusses student-teacher relationship, classroom management strategies, principal and teacher roles, differences between urban and rural education, economic influences on rural education, and challenges for rural…

A survey of 106 small, rural school superintendents and board members in central Missouri found they believed that providing character education through proper school culture was not enough, and that a character-education focus should be added within the guidance and counseling areas of the curriculum in elementary and secondary schools. (TD)

Winning essays on rural school/community cooperation written by elementary, middle, and high school students recommend community volunteering to raise money, improve school appearance, and help with student supervision; building on the strengths of rural life; revitalizing rural communities through economic development; increased experiential…

A survey of 120 rural school districts in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington regarding issues and constraints of curriculum renewal indicates that strengthening instructional strategies, aligning assessment with curriculum and instruction, integrating curriculum, and preparing students for the next century were of most concern.…

In a survey of 100 elementary school teachers in rural Tennessee, teachers felt that reducing distractions, positive reinforcement, and frequent monitoring were the most effective techniques for teaching students with attention deficit disorders (ADD). Teachers suggested that many students with ADD were not being identified and indicated needs for…

A model of service delivery to rural handicapped children trains classroom teachers onsite to be "Cooperative Extension Service Agents" within their schools. University faculty bring graduate coursework to the school site and "Agent" teachers provide special education inservice assistance to fellow teachers, facilitating local services to mildly…

Considered from a rural perspective, current federal education programs have a number of shortcomings. Rural schools must often adopt programs designed for nonrural settings. Rural areas are at a disadvantage in the distribution of federal aid through formula-based programs. Complicated regulations and paperwork discourage rural participation in…

Isolation, sparsity, smallness, and differentness hamper pursuit of quality rural education. Necessary basic conditions for quality education are attractive buildings with positive school climate; strong teacher/administrator leadership; core curricula reflecting rural values/culture; high academic expectations for all students; and use of…

A survey completed by 319 principals of high schools with enrollments under 500 was used to determine the core curriculum and the specific curriculum needs of today's small high schools. Principals indicated a need for additional courses in computer-related areas, remedial reading, speech, first-aid, geography, creative writing, and consumer…