Reviews a rural Washington State teacher's experience in approaching the sensitive topic of sex education. Includes advice on dealing with opposing parents, church, and school officials. The reported lesson considered the biology and reproduction of a pet boa constrictor. (TES)

A cooperative experiment among Pennsylvania rural communities and the University of Delaware and La Salle College, this course ("Re-Emerging Issues in Social Welfare: The Rural and Small Community") was developed to expose urban students to a rural environment and to utilize rural educational resources. (JC)

Outlines continuing education options for the rural social worker: traditional on-campus college programs, off-campus extension courses via telecommunications systems, staff development activities offered by agencies or professional associations, and self-directed learning. Contains 19 references. (SV)

Continuing education for rural Americans is seen as a "step-child" to conventional on-campus programs. Elements of the British Open University are explored with the view of adapting them to American rural continuing education. (KR)

Describes the Skyline Farms Project in Appalachian Alabama, a largely unsuccessful attempt to transform ex-tenant farmers into independent landowners. Traces the history of Skyline Farms from the 1930s to the early 1940s. Describes community attitudes and social services (education, health, recreation, home economics). Discusses reasons for the…

Describes ethnographic survey of professional mentoring relationships in rural Colorado mountain community. Describes characteristics, dynamics, phases, and motivations behind mentoring relationships. Suggests that social workers identify and support rural mentor relationships. Suggests direction for future study. (TES)

Describes an approach to combining health and social work services in a small community in a nontraditional setting through the use of a multidisciplinary student training project. Discusses professional relationships, service provision, patient use of services, and patient satisfaction. Provides suggestions for the establishment of similar…

Defines rurbanization (change process wherein small communities/rural areas build upon their social/cultural heritages in coping with impacts of rapid growth) and rurban practice. Itemizes skills needed for rurban human service work. Offers simulations to enhance rurban practice skills, incorporating sequential use of experiential learning tools…

Highlights a rural Montana family's experience with limited availability of special-education personnel and services for their severely disabled son. Suggests ways to improve rural special education services, including a flexible planning process, partnerships with university programs, use of information technology, and support networks. (KS)

A telephone survey of relevant agencies in each county resulted in estimates of the number and location of homeless children (age 0-21) in Alabama. Over 17,000 homeless youth were located. Community denial and misconceptions about homelessness were cited as barriers to service coordination. The responsibility of schools, agencies, and society to…

A homophobia questionnaire was administered to 30 rural and 41 urban undergraduate students of social work. Results indicate that 17% of respondents were homophobic; there were no significant differences between groups. Implications for social work practice and education are discussed. (LP)

Examines burnout, focusing on levels of burnout in rural Illinois extension service staff. Identifies work and conditions that create high risk of burnout. Indicates crisis staff working with distressed families experienced burnout as often as other staff. Makes recommendations for reducing burnout among rural social service providers. (Author/TES)

Discusses problems associated with teen sex, the relationship between teen sexuality and self-esteem, and problems with traditional sex-education programs. Outlines factors in effective sex education, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive health program. Discusses problems specific to rural areas, and includes examples of programs…

Distance education has potential to overcome barriers to rural women's participation but must consider women's attitudes toward technology and ways of knowing. Strategies are outlined for developing gender-friendly models of distance education. "Value-added" distance education requires rethinking traditional instructional settings and…

Details the history of Big Laurel, West Virginia from 1918-1941, 1941-1965, and 1965-1983, noting the effects on education of events in all three periods. Describes the opening, closing, consolidation, and reopening of community schools, and the construction, development, philosophy, and curriculum of the new Big Laurel School. (SB)