Presents arguments, based on Thomas Kuhn's work, that most research on rural and small schools proceeds from previous scientific achievements, and that researchers' (outsiders') preconceived and approximated reality forces the nature of rural and small schools into an inflexible box. Contains 40 references. (Author/SV)

A humorous examination of research on effects of institution size on pupil progress reveals evidentiary and inferential errors, naivete, intellectual puritanism, and rational extravagance. Revised, reinterpreted, and confirmed by two new studies, the literature shows a near-unanimous finding: the smaller unit definitely is superior to the larger…

Describes the results of a survey of 108 rural South Dakota high school principals. Reports that, although principals envision themselves as instructional leaders, a majority of the day is spent on general managerial duties and discipline, with principals more concerned about task completion than about individuals or school climate. (Author/DHP)

Results of two surveys of 59 and 47 school board presidents from 26 and 21 different states, respectively, having district enrollments of 300 or smaller, indicated the most valued capabilities considered in hiring rural superintendents were interpersonal relations/communications skills, financial/organizational management skills, and good moral…

Finds no relationships between school district size and academic achievement in Maine's eighth grade students. Provides evidence that school systems within single level jurisdiction vary in the level of pupil achievement produced. Reports positive significant relationship that better qualified teachers are associated with larger school systems.…

Certification records of 435 Idaho science teachers analyzed by school district size revealed significant differences: more physiology, earth science, and chemistry I teachers in largest districts had endorsements to teach assigned subjects; more earth science and chemistry I teachers in smallest districts had neither major nor minor in subjects…

The article discusses conditions in rural school settings which may create or exacerbate problems of burnout among rural school pyschologists. Specifically, problems concerning role and function, professional support, visibility, and preservice training are related to rural practice. Also, suggestions for coping with stress and burnout in rural…

Reports results of a survey of the teacher training offerings of 56 universities in states with large rural populations. Notes that although many graduates found employment in rural schools, training programs did not always incorporate the needs of rural educators. Describes needs, implications, and suggestions for educating rural teachers. (SB)

Traces decline of one-room schools from 24,000 in 1959 to about 840 today. Reports findings from 1984 survey of 643 surviving one-room schools in Nebraska, Montana, South Dakota, California, and Wyoming. Includes data on enrollments, teacher qualifications and responsibilities, student achievement, and school facilities/equipment. (NEC)

A total of 144 teachers from rural and urban schools in North Dakota responded to open-ended questions related to students' behavior problems. Differences between students from rural and urban schools are described in the areas of serious behavior problems, handling behavior problems, and eliminating behavior problems. (Author/NEC)

Survey responses of 55 of the 70 teaching principals in Nebraska described job characteristics and responsibilities, advantages and disadvantages of the position, necessary skills and training, and the origin and future of the position. Contains 13 references. (SV)

Compares test scores and class offerings in Connecticut's small schools with larger, noncity counterparts. "Small" high schools had fewer than 150 students per grade. Finds no differences between large and small school districts' achievement scores. Large high schools offered more advanced courses than small or medium schools.…

Administrative changes were tabulated for 275 rural Kansas school districts with K-12 operations. Data covering a six-year period showed high school principals changing most frequently, followed by middle/junior high school principals, high school assistant principals, and elementary principals. Central office personnel and superintendents…

Recent college graduates (N=162), teaching in schools of 600 or fewer students, rated the importance--to success in teaching--of 45 areas of college studies. Only two areas were rated below the mid-point on the scale of importance. Oral communications, discipline, classroom management, teaching major specialty, and motivating students were rated…

Reports a project that used simulated master schedules as an alternative to grade-level, subject-matter, classroom-group organization of instruction in small schools. Describes a multigrade, multicourse learning center approach that decouples the course = class equation and allows small schools to offer a stronger educational program. (SB)