The 1983 joint meeting, attended by approximately 450 administrators, school board members, teachers, state legislators, parents, and other interested persons, was the location for the United States Department of Education's announcement of a national policy on rural education. The proceedings contain texts of the 5 major conference addresses, abstracts of 40 conference papers, and the conference agenda. Keynote speakers included United States Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, Lawrence R. Davenport, and Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education, Robert M. Worthington. Conference papers address administration/management (6), computers (7), curriculum development (6), finance (3), media (3), research (2), special education (2), staff development (5), and teaching/learning (6). Specific topics include school board administrator role, alternative school calendars, impact and role of microcomputers on rural schools, New Mexico microcomputer van program, improving agricultural offerings, contract vocational education, current state legislation for small and rural school finance, recruitment and retention of special education teachers, individualized staff development, Oregon rural based teacher development program, parent involvement in rural schools, and opportunities for socialization through student activities. (NEC)