This article examines how a small, regional comprehensive university located in a geographically isolated context reinvigorated its master's degree in reading. The process began with articulating a vision for the program that was centered in understanding the unique geographic context of the region. Coherent program goals were then developed to…

This paper discusses human relationships with the natural world in Japanese educational policy. Based on two case studies, we argue that policy must recognize the cultural and spiritual ties that people in Japan have fostered in order to live well, which this paper considers to be part of "re-wilding education policy." We briefly review…

Business Action Learning Tasmania's (BALT) mission is self-reliant industry development, with diverse companies co-operating to improve their profitability, develop their people and grow the local economy. This is achieved through collaborative action learning, with companies working together on projects of vital importance and sharing the…

The University of Sydney has a long-standing record of commitment to social inclusion in tertiary education. The Australian government agenda has brought into sharp focus the importance of universities engaging with rural and remote communities. The University of Sydney provides placement opportunities and pathways to attract more undergraduate…

Impoverished populations and schools in rural areas face special challenges that are different from other settings. Among these are the distances from social services, the sparse availability of assistance programs, and the shortage of resources to support educational programs and student learning. Rural schools, do, however, have assets that can…

A Colombian model of rural elementary education has increased student achievement. Basic characteristics are active learning, structured yet flexible and multifaceted nature, extensive training and support for teachers, and opportunities for meaningful involvement of students, teachers, and community members. A Guatemalan reform based on the model…

Describes four exemplary rural youth programs that succeed despite the common lack of transportation and leadership in rural areas. An Alabama church-based program, a Nevada program on an American Indian reservation, and a school-based network in Vermont all offer summer and after-school programs for elementary and secondary students. Texas…

Gifted elementary students from four rural school districts in northwest Wisconsin meet weekly in combined classes for instruction. Nontraditional methods are used to identify participants, local artists teach the sessions, expenses and expertise are shared by the districts, and students can interact with like-minded peers from other districts.…

Addresses the needs of gifted children in rural New South Wales and discusses disadvantages often experienced by rural gifted students. Describes a project coordinated by the Armidale Catholic Schools Office that developed enrichment materials for gifted rural students in grades 3-10. Includes brief descriptions of learning modules and cites…

The Southeast Regional Resource Center serves all of Alaska's 53 school districts, many of them rural. Its itinerant special education personnel deliver services on-site and train teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents to deliver services. Video exchanges, telephone conversations, and Internet communications are used to monitor student progress,…

An interactive, two-way, video conferencing system enables North Georgia College and State University to place and supervise student teachers in remote, rural schools. Costs, technical aspects, and program processes are discussed. Student teachers are able to return to their home communities, university supervisors save travel time, and the…

This paper examines specific problems facing community service delivery in rural Australia and efforts to overcome these deficiencies. The generic term "rural" is advantageous in that it delineates particular problems facing rural communities, aids in resource allocation, raises public awareness of rural disadvantage, and provides an…

At a clinical school in rural New South Wales (Australia), medical students follow patients through the health care system instead of being attached to doctors. Seeing the progression of illnesses, the impact of behavioral aspects, and the continuity of care develops lifelong learning skills. Because of geographic isolation, information technology…

In 1998, a consortium including the University of Calgary (Alberta) and representatives from social service agencies and Native organizations developed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) model for delivery in rural, remote, and Aboriginal communities. The model called for innovative course content that was culturally and geographically relevant to…

Because of its unique leadership and supportive faculty, Salish Kootenai College, on the Flathead reservation in Western Montana, has become one of the leading institutions nationwide in providing distance learning programs. Consistent with the college's mission, all distance courses are designed to preserve and enhance Salish and Kootenai…