Discusses the impact of socioeconomic and demographic changes on rural schools and their need for new inclusive strategies. Identifies five principles for planning inclusive strategies: collaboration; family-centered and community-based schooling; programs and learning environments that match student needs; meeting public standards; and…

Describes unique aspects of rural provision of school psychological services. Discusses strategies within a collaborative consultation model in which the goals (primary, secondary, or tertiary prevention), levels of service (community/school, students, parents, or school personnel), and best approach (direct or indirect) of service delivery are…

Examines issues impacting identification and evaluation of Navajo children at risk: acculturation variables creating culture conflict; mental health issues for Navajo communities; environmental, emotional, and physical health factors contributing to underachievement; testing bias issues resulting in inappropriate educational placement decisions;…

Reviews the literature on psychological and educational assessment of American Indian and Alaska Native children, including the background psychological factors of biological deprivation, motivation, attitudes toward self, and traditional nonformal education. Discusses brain hemispheres, visuospatial skills, otitis media, fetal alcohol syndrome,…

The use of distance education for rural personnel preparation in special education and disability services was examined in the literature on 32 programs. The programs tended to have a narrow focus on graduate education in low-incidence disabilities; needed external support due to high costs; and had demonstrated sustainability. Emerging trends are…

Recent court decisions indicate a movement towards supporting more integrated educational settings for students with disabilities. Recent legal decisions are discussed with regard to least restrictive environment, benefits of self-contained or regular education placement, supplemental aids and services, curriculum modifications, continuum of…

Addresses the nature of youth violence and its connection to school violence, reviews actions taken as a response to school violence, and identifies the impact violence and its counter-measures have had on the school community. Suggests that educators focus on increasing the sense of community within their schools as both a response to school…

Suggests that the ethic of care is vital to promoting safe schools and developing responsible, respectful, and tolerant students and citizens. Describes three approaches for developing a caring school culture that include linking students together as a caring moral community, teaching social skills and conflict resolution, and focusing on…

A review of rural and urban demographics reveals that rural areas are experiencing increasing diversity in their student population, decreasing sense of community, and increasing similarity to the challenges faced by urban and suburban schools. As the distinctions between urban and rural areas become less pronounced, will the benefits of rural…