Minnesota has enacted legislation and implemented cooperative services to meet student needs. Legislation allows two or more districts to cooperate on programs and services while maintaining local boards and independent school district status. Communicasting, combining elements of communication and broadcasting, enables school districts to share…

Texas small/rural schools often band together to receive services or programs that would not otherwise be available to them. Services and programs are from Regional Education Service Centers and from the Texas Education Agency. Banding together also increases the schools' influence on political and legislative decisions. (CM)

Texas small schools have promising programs, innovative practices, and pressing problems. They utilize mainstreaming and provide special materials for the gifted and talented. Problems are primarily in the areas of hiring and retaining teachers, financing programs, and energy costs. (CM)