The study compared nationwide research findings about the districts, superintendents, teachers, programs, and student performance in 642 public school districts with an enrollment of 900 or less to data from a random sample of school districts of similar size in Washington. Data were gathered from superintendents by questionnaire during the 1982-83 school year. Twenty-four of Washington's 107 small/rural school districts, or 96% of those surveyed, responded. Similiar in enrollments but larger geographically than average, Washington's small school districts passed bond issues higher than the national average. Nearly three times as many districts in Washington accepted state aid as did districts nationally. Although no Oregon superintendent held an education specialist degree (compared to 31.5% nationally), over 70% earned $35,000 or more (compared to 37.4% nationally). Teacher salaries were also above average as were teacher/student ratios. Teacher turnover was below average. Graduating seniors performed better than average on the Scholastic Aptitude Test but slightly fewer went on to college and slightly more to technical school. Washington's small school course offerings were at or considerably above national averages in all categories. Sports offerings also compared very favorably as did numbers of resource personnel. (SB)