Many instructional strategies which characterize small alternative schools in urban areas are applicable to small rural schools as well. Philosophical and organizational assumptions and educational methods used in successful alternative schools are discussed. (PP)

The Alaska School Effectiveness Project produced several reports in a series of reviews of research literature on such topics as computer-assisted instruction. Using an ERIC search and conventional library methods, the question raised was "Does computer-assisted instruction (CAI), when combined with traditional instruction, lead to higher…

Although the economic expansion of the 1990s was felt even in small towns and rural areas, events in recent months point out that the economic health of rural America remains fragile. Rural manufacturing has suffered sizable employment declines in recent months and only modest expansion has occurred in the service sector--the lifeblood of rural…

A review of research on television's major compositional factors was undertaken to determine the status of such research and to note the major variables involved in the structure of television pictures. It was found that such research could be grouped in four categories--lighting and color, staging, editing, and sound--and that these areas covered…

This paper examines how creative thinking techniques can be used to help rural educators provide effective transition programs and services to secondary students. Factors affecting transition in rural areas include a small, homogenous economic base; travel time and distance between job sites; lack of services and trained staff; the community role…

Critically reviews the different types of abstractions and implementations in the area of hypertext and proposes the existence of three types of hypertext: small, medium, and large volume. Each type of hypertext is described, human-computer interaction is considered, and a movement toward intelligent hypertext is discussed. (48 references) (LRW)

This paper presents research findings and the testimony of educators, students, and researchers demonstrating that small schools meet the essential conditions for providing high-quality education to all students. These essential conditions are: (1) students are known well by their teachers; (2) students are actively engaged in learning and in…

Misconceptions regarding the work of college admissions officers and the role of admissions in expanding access to education prompted this review of applied research in college admissions. Focus is on two areas of research and evaluation: college staff visits to schools and college choice decisions made by applicants who were offered admission.…

Much progress has been made in the quest for better rural schools. In 1977, People United for Rural Education (PURE) began its work as an advocate for rural education and small schools. In 1979, PURE was notified that it was to receive the National Volunteer Activist Award. In 1980, the Rural/Regional Education Association became the Rural…

Discussion of current funding problems experienced by public, school, university, and special libraries in Nova Scotia indicates that cutbacks are causing staff layoffs and loss of purchasing power. Small public libraries are particularly affected, but new graduate librarians find employment, and free-lance librarians are extending service beyond…

The rural school superintendency is, in many ways, as demanding and difficult as the urban superintendency. Chapter 1 of this book provides a working definition of a rural small school district, an estimation of the number of rural systems in the nation that fit the criteria, and a profile of rural small school superintendents. Chapter 2 discusses…

While the elite private colleges may survive the enrollment declines of the 1980's and 1990's, the less elite, so-called invisible private colleges may have more difficulty. Finance, enrollment, and competition are the three major elements seen to threaten these institutions' futures. They face an uncertain financial future since historically they…

This paper begins by relating the experiences of a beginning special education teacher in a small school in rural Montana. He soon became frustrated as he lacked the skills required for collaborating with other teachers, students, parents, and the community. Small rural schools have difficulty in recruiting and retaining qualified special…

A review of current and completed research relating to youth aged 14-17 with special educational needs (with special emphasis on research relevant to the British educational context) reveals that, to date, most research has examined the needs of young people with special conditions rather than focusing on a broader cross-section of all young…

Many teachers are hesitant to incorporate peer-led discussion groups into their classrooms. Teachers worry that if they relinquish control in their classrooms students may miss the main theme of stories or may spend little time on task, groups may dissolve from excessive bickering, and their classrooms will be out of control. Nevertheless, the…