A study examined team-oriented counseling programs in rural schools. Surveys of 118 counselors from rural elementary, middle, and high schools in 6 states showed that most middle and high schools had one or more team-oriented programs. Elementary schools showed much lower percentages. No significant relationship was found between team-oriented…

A study examined the role played by cultural capital in the education of migrant students. Observations and interviews with administrators, faculty, and students during a summer migrant program in a rural Ohio school district indicate that the cultural capital of migrant students, particularly family loyalty, often conflicted with the cultural…

The movement to standardization and high-stakes testing has been driven by ideological and political concerns and has adversely affected teaching/learning, democratic discourse, and educational equity. Rural schools are hit harder because of geographic isolation and insufficient staff and resources. Testing used for purposes other than measuring…

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.…

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…

An approach to educational change is derived from the field of organizational development. Change agents must be aware of their personal biases and preconceptions; initiate positive inquiry among all community stakeholders; incorporate community values into a well expressed vision; identify obstructions and catalysts; consider community…

A study examining the effects of alternative school calendars surveyed 254 principals and teachers from predominantly rural schools in Kentucky, Illinois, and Tennessee. Results revealed strong support for a calendar that rescheduled rather than added school days and that reduced summer vacation. Advantages included academic improvement, extra…

A study examined factors inherent in Montana's smallest schools that attract and retain teachers. Surveys of 126 elementary teachers in 107 small school districts found that a rural background and proximity to family or home were influential in accepting employment. The classroom experience, particularly their relationship with students, and…

A study examined the changing nature of teacher leadership roles in six small rural schools without formal teacher leadership roles. Interviews with 28 teachers and principals indicate that small rural schools might see teacher leadership in unique ways. Most frequently mentioned role categories involved emergence of teacher leadership due to…

A study examined how rural youth perceive leadership and how sense of place affects those perceptions. Interviews and observations of 12 students who participated in a leadership academy in 3 rural Texas high schools indicated that rural adolescents viewed leadership as situational. Teamwork and service were the elements of leadership that…

Rural school district reorganization and school consolidation are put into perspective by reviewing the large population increases that fueled small-school growth in the Great Plains, 1870-1930. Since the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, population losses, improvements in transportation, and arguments advocating economies of scale and increased…

Surveys completed by 72 board members in 42 rural Georgia school districts indicate that contrary to national findings, rural board members opposed school vouchers and tax credits. Rural board members and the national sample agreed that schools accepting public funds should meet accountability standards and accept students from diverse backgrounds…

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…

A summer professional development institute introduces middle school teachers to interdisciplinary work and development of local place-based units. Teachers learn to develop a common experience, use tools of inquiry for their own discipline, communicate their findings, and respect both disciplinary and shared interdisciplinary understanding.…