Overviews the recent history of special education, including common educational practices and the advantages and disadvantages of full inclusion. A survey of 336 educators in one urban and two rural New Mexico communities found agreement with only 2 of 27 statements regarding potential benefits of inclusion, but with all 26 statements representing…

Most students who are deaf or hard of hearing do not read proficiently. When adults read regularly to these students, the students' language and literacy abilities improve. Ten essential practices for adults to use when reading aloud are presented with examples. Also included are activities in which students read to adults. Contains 24 references.…

Deaf or hard-of-hearing students are influenced by four cultural groups: family, neighborhood, community, and school. Presents a framework for exploring the personal cultures of rural hearing-impaired students; strategies for gathering cultural information; and steps by which a teacher, with the help of cultural brokers, can develop appropriate…

A consortium of four Alabama universities was formed to prepare educational interpreters to serve deaf and hard-of-hearing students in inclusive rural settings and to work in multicultural environments. The proposed Specialty in Educational Interpreting program would offer some courses via the interactive intercampus television system. Contains 18…

Presents a model for Internet use in deaf education that recognizes the expertise of experienced teachers, enhances preservice teacher preparation, and develops instructional resources. Discusses barriers to teacher use of the Internet, educational Internet applications, three types of World Wide Web sites, and resources available via the Council…

Discusses school sex education programs with regard to prevention of AIDS/HIV infection among adolescents. Outlines problems and success factors of teen sex education programs. Considers why teenage sex is common and why sex education, in isolation, is not a deterrent. Describes specific rural problems and approaches. Contains 22 references. (SV)

Reviews research findings concerning competencies needed by and required of rural special education teachers and adapted physical education teachers. Discusses various validation techniques in teacher competency research. Describes 20 competencies as they relate to the generalist and the specialist in special physical education. Contains 69…

Describes the multiple roles and special challenges experienced by rural itinerant teachers delivering special physical education services. Provides a breakdown of time spent in various job functions by two itinerant special physical educators (ISPEs) studied in north central Kansas. Suggests strategies for successful delivery using the ISPE…

Presents excerpts from 12 case studies of rural at-risk students. Examines their common characteristics, the high prevalence of at-risk students in rural areas, the relationship of this phenomenon to rural cultures, and prevention and treatment factors in the school and community. Contains 16 references. (SV)

Reviews cultural differences between American Indian and European-American educational values, and educational concerns related to being caught between two cultures--biological deprivation, dissonance in cognitive style and motivational systems, and poor self-concept. Discusses implications for vocational and career counseling. Contains 26…

Argues that the "social capital" provided to schools by parent and community involvement has been eroded in rural areas by school consolidation, centralization, and urban models, placing all rural students at risk. Traces this erosion in one rural West Virginia school district. Contains 19 references. (SV)

Presents an overview of educational technologies available for use with special education students in rural areas, including teleconferencing, computers, electronic mail, and interactive videodisc. Examines benefits and weaknesses of telecommunications use for students, teachers, and administrators. (SV)

Addresses basic considerations for systematic introduction of computer technology in early childhood special education programs, and explores unique computer applications in rural special education. Offers practical suggestions for developing prerequisite computer skills in young children with the aid of toys and switches. (Author/SV)

Difficulties in transitioning students with disabilities in rural areas include poor postschool outcomes, transportation problems, limited job market, negative attitudes toward job training programs (resulting from high unemployment), lack of job training sites, and lack of information concerning job accommodation for disabled workers. Includes…

Addresses the need to recruit culturally diverse, special education teachers into rural schools, especially in California where there has been an increase in minority groups moving to rural areas. Reasons for teacher shortages include the graying of the profession, high attrition rates among new special educators, and declining enrollment in…