In addition to exploring importance of rural education, prevailing forces and trends impacting it, and necessity for change, the monograph explores some vital aspects for the future of rural education, i.e., expanded use of modern technology; increased priority among governmental, educational, and civic organizations for dealing with problems and potentials of rural areas; enhanced cooperative efforts among different groups for more effective synergic approaches and better utilization of existing resources; more specific and relevant attention paid to curriculum, structure, and financial reforms in and for rural education systems; significant augmentation of efforts of traditional organizations by grassroot and special rural interest groups; and heightened appreciation of the critical role of rural America in all aspects of a modern society and in an interdependent world. Recommendations include the following: establish a national "rural policy" reflecting the importance of rural America; develop a national "rural data base" for various quality-of-life aspects; give renewed emphasis to research relating to rural education; create programs and train professionals directly related to the needs of rural America; set goals for strengthening rural education based on rural needs; and acknowledge the leadership void in the rural sector and develop mechanisms to correct this deficiency. (AH)