The role of the rural school in southeastern South Dakota from the early days of the frontier to 1981 is examined in this portion of an eight-state research effort to locate and preserve information related to country schools. Three hundred and eleven country schools in 21 southeastern counties are still standing, have been photographed, and are described in field notes and located on country general highway maps included in the report. The varied functions of the school as a community center are described. Teacher salary scales, duties, and qualifications are outlined. Samples of curriculum, courses of study, daily schedules, tests, textbook accession records, and rules of spelling are included. Descriptions of dedicated teachers, community spirit, drive and determination of immigrants, and an atmosphere of friendship and caring are used to illustrate how the schools participated in the Americanization of ethnic groups. Information about the 39 rural schools still operating in southeastern South Dakota during the 1980-81 school year is summarized. Copies of the 1928 final eighth grade examination, required to receive a diploma, the 1927 final seventh grade examination, and the 1872 instructions to teachers in the Dakota Territory are included. (NEC)