Outlines the primary arguments and much of the available evidence on desirable school size. Summarizes important factors in the history of U.S. school consolidation. Suggests that the key to the school size debate may be educational control rather than educational quality. Contains 39 references. (SV)

Compares and contrasts two economic views, political economy and neoclassical economics, as they pertain to the development of human capital and education in rural areas. The concluding discussion draws implications for rural educators. (Author/KS)

Describes a three-tiered educational system where local education agencies (LEAs) organize into educational collaboratives responsible to the state education agency (SEA). Synthesizes the findings of current studies that address the economic and programmatic variables related to the operation of effective educational collaboratives in rural areas.…

Outlines concerns that cause beginning teachers to leave rural schools. Discusses components of an overall teacher recruitment strategy, benefits of living and teaching in rural areas, and possible teacher incentives. Lists teacher retention strategies based on community or social environment, staff development, support procedures, or incentives.…

Reviews literature on characteristics of rural schools and rural communities and compares these findings with the results of an open-ended survey of rural professionals about their experiences working in rural schools. Both sources identified limited resources as a problem, but quality of life issues were more explicitly identified by survey…

Reviews economic and social science theories on the role of the school in economic development. Presents a case study of an underdeveloped rural Tennessee county where school improvement efforts were unsuccessful because of the sociological, political, economic, and cultural setting in which the school system operates. (KS)