Describes a study in which 281 principals in Texas schools of fewer than 500 students were queried about their preferences for type, location, and duration of inservice training. (JM)

Dunne (1978) suggested three major tasks of the 1980s which confront those concerned with rural issues: (1) basic research on small school problems, practices, and unique features; (2) curriculum and program development which builds on these features; and (3) elaboration and implementation of models for funding and regulating small schools.…

The recommendations of James B. Conant in the 1950s led to high school consolidation across the country. Although the surviving small schools have weaknesses, they have benefits as well. (JM)

Questionnaires were sent to 373 administrators in West Texas school districts with less than 500 students. The purpose of the study was to survey small school administrators' interest in leadership training through inservice education; to explore the areas of such interest; and to determine the preferences for type, location, and duration of such…

As part of an effort to identify a group of successful professionals, determine what percentage attended small secondary schools, and assess from those attending small schools their attitudes regarding the quality of education received and aspects of the experience which they felt contributed to their professional success, all 100 members of the…

Research into the needs of small school administrators and effective ways to help meet those needs through inservice education projects was conducted over a period of two years by means of a needs assessment and two small-scale workshops. The purpose of the workshops was to try out a basic format and some techniques perceived to be potentially…

Superintendents, principals, and teachers from a statistical sample of small schools throughout the United States completed a needs assessment questionnaire. Concerns seemed less related to curriculum and academics and more related to teacher and student attitude, motivation, and general well-being. Significant differences were found between the…

A general look at rural and/or small schools is the focus of this state of the art review. The historical perspective of the report begins in 1918, when the trend toward consolidation of one-room schools was first indicated and continues into and well beyond the depression. It is reported that the number of school districts decreased from 127,000…

Exploring the revival of interest in smaller schools, the fastback examines the legacy of the small school, the minimum school size, the advantages and disadvantages of smaller schools, the needs of smaller schools, and some important indicators and trends of what is actually likely to happen in small schools. In discussing the advantages and…

A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the degree to which teacher training programs in 4-year public colleges and universities include rural education as part of their teacher education program. Questionnaires were mailed to college of education deans and chairpersons at each of the 473 4-year public colleges and universities in the…

To conduct a national assessment of the educational needs of smaller schools in the 48 contiguous states, the National Center for Smaller Schools surveyed 951 schools in 17 states within 5 geographic regions during the fall of 1981. The superintendent, one principal, and three teachers in each sample school district completed a questionnaire…