Small schools have been slow to respond to changing societal needs because (1) of their isolation, geographically and otherwise; (2) their smallness leaves little flexibility to innovate and explore; (3) staffing patterns are aimed at recruitment from within the community; and (4) information and communication is focused on the localite rather than on cosmopolite sources. The purposes of the Task Force for Small Schools in Tennessee are to: (1) identify and create awareness of needs, problems, and priorities of small schools in Tennessee; (2) define and initiate changes in preparing programs for professional education personnel which recognize the needs, problems, and priorities of small schools; (3) develop and implement strategies for in-service improvement of school programs and lay leadership in Tennessee small schools; and (4) generate research related to needs, programs, and processes. Using similar projects as guides, the Task Force's goals are: broader and higher quality academic and vocational curricula; changed instructional organization; and improvement of teaching and administration through in-service education. The educational needs of students and schools in rural settings are discussed. The following are also covered: political climate, student achievement and drop-outs, financial support, an analysis of school districts, and 3 attempted educational changes in rural schools. (NQ)