This study is a quantitative descriptive research design which compared 1995 and 2005 data regarding family influence on rural Pennsylvania high school seniors' postsecondary decisions. A chi-square analysis at p less than 0.05 determined that there was (a) an increase in students planning college attendance, (b) a decrease in students not…

This study examines the relationship between four independent variables (gender, age, reservation background, and cultural traditionalism) with three dependent variables (assessment of college, transition to college, and impact of college on an appreciation of Native heritage) among a sample of American Indian students attending a small, rural…

The purpose of this study was to explore the reasons 162 rural area high school students participate in the dual enrollment program. Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to enroll in college courses for credit prior to high school graduation with local school districts covering the cost of tuition. Participants in this study were…

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…

Despite the growing teacher shortage, teacher educators must maintain program quality. A teacher education program in Washington explains program expectations to applicants and identifies potentially problematic students during a screening session. A student manual explains student rights and responsibilities, and student progress is tracked so…

A study surveyed 19 student teachers placed in rural Saskatchewan communities and their cooperating teachers. Advantages of rural placements were better acquaintance with students and families, high community involvement, supportive atmosphere, opportunities to engage in various activities, fewer discipline problems, and rural lifestyle.…

Indiana University Purdue University Columbus reorganized its teacher education program to socialize students to the teaching profession and increase collegiality. Communication between faculty, students, and cooperating elementary schools has increased; America Reads program has facilitated partnerships with local schools and increased exposure…

Valdosta State University (Georgia) uses audio/video conferencing in its teacher education program, a low-cost alternative to travel that enables student teachers to access the expertise of their supervisors more frequently; supervisors to observe student teachers; simultaneous interactions between supervisor, student teacher, and mentor, or among…

Southeast Missouri State University revised its teacher education program to include field-based experiences in each of its four blocks of courses. Student teachers are placed in rural and urban schools with pupils from various socioeconomic, cultural, racial, and disability groups. A survey of 225 cooperating teachers and student teachers…

The use of portfolio assessment in the principal preparation programs of Southwest Baptist University (Missouri), Stephen F. Austin State University (Texas), and five other universities is described. Generally, portfolios are used for encouragement of professional growth through self-assessment, for external judgment of principal effectiveness,…

A study examined the effectiveness of the college preparatory curriculum in preparing rural students for college. Surveys of all 1995 graduates of four rural Pennsylvania high schools found that 73 percent of students in the college preparatory program were not greatly successful. Few students had graduated with academically competitive…

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…

A survey of 25 participants in a Nevada " externship" program providing teachers with real-world business experience revealed that urban externs participated to further their academic pursuits, while rural externs participated to enhance their teaching skills. Nevertheless, both groups gained understanding of necessary employability skills and…

A study examined 12 suburban preservice teachers' reactions to an educational field experience in an economically disadvantaged rural school district. Most participants' reactions were negative and based on stereotypes. They did not grasp the complications of poverty nor how geographic isolation might affect this school district. Recommendations…

A survey of 532 preservice teachers from six state colleges and University of Nebraska campuses examined the extent and perceived adequacy of multicultural education training in Nebraska teacher-preparation programs. About 39% of respondents felt that their overall multicultural preparation was inadequate. Responses differed by ethnicity,…