Outlines a model for development of a special physical education program, emphasizing methods that capitalize on strengths of small and rural schools. Discusses formation of a strategic planning team, assignment of special physical education staff, development of integrated instructional programing, relationship of regular and special education…

It is time to stop viewing rural schools and communities as deficient and build on their tremendous assets--small size, an understanding of the connection between humans and nature, greater access to civic life, strong school-community ties, a sense of place and community, and cultural diversity. Examples describe innovative programs initiated by…

Small rural schools incur greater expense and hardship to take advantage of staff development activities, usually held in cities or universities. The Iowa Intervention Initiative (III) overcame practical and logistic problems to hold teacher workshops for 79 small rural Iowa schools. Discusses III goals, recruitment of participants, selection and…

Describes inclusive practices in four small, rural Wisconsin schools. These models focus on scheduling for cross-categorical programming, including students with challenging behaviors, coteaching, and practicing inclusion in high school. Includes philosophy of inclusion and program features for each model. Contains 24 references. (SAS)

Two surveys were conducted to determine perceptions of administrators and teachers regarding the impact of Public Law 94-142 on programs for severely handicapped children in New Mexico's small, rural school districts. One year after the infusion of federal funding, 55 percent of the respondents perceived no improvement in the level of services.…

Presents 10 guidelines for seeking legislative support and funding for new educational technology in small rural schools. Summarizes suggestions obtained in legislator interviews concerning effective proposals and presentations to legislators. (SV)

Assessment of the impact of the Life Centered Career Education curriculum on 23 special education students in a small rural high school revealed that special education students increased their job skills to a level comparable to that attained by regular education students. However, special education students did not report fewer barriers to…

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…

Addresses the needs of beginning special education teachers in small, rural school districts; describes strategies for recruiting special education teachers in rural areas; describes programs that small and rural school districts can use to orient new teachers to the school and community; and identifies strategies for retaining teachers in rural…

Describes graduate teacher education program at University of Northern Colorado emphasizing full and equal training in three competency areas: academic instruction, orientation/mobility, and needs of severely/profoundly handicapped blind children. Finds program serves rural/small schools and districts lacking sufficient population of visually…