Argues that removing children from their rural sphere is detrimental to students and the community. The largest obstacle among many is a "second best" attitude toward rural education. Schools and policymakers should change this attitude and work for realizing potentials of rural education. (ALL/GGH)

Reviews the unique financial problems of small schools. Explains the necessarily higher cost per pupil of quality rural education programs. Summarizes survey results concerning 48 states' use of weighted funding formulas, categorical aid for transportation, and excess levy authority to provide supplemental funds to small schools or districts.…

Among 462 principals of small rural secondary schools in South Dakota, North Dakota, Kansas, and Nebraska, most perceived themselves as instructional leaders but spent the most time on general managerial duties. The tendency toward a task-oriented leadership style did not vary by gender or experience. Contains 20 references. (SV)

Describes a project in which fifth graders researched the history of their school, interviewed people associated with the school's history, and created a booklet of school memoirs. Discusses problems overcome in each phase of the project, and offers practical suggestions on class management and project supervision. (SV)

A national survey of 130 single-campus, K-12 public schools enrolling fewer than 300 students revealed that half of the schools reported implementing some type of distance learning program, that satellite-based programs were the technology of choice, and that the mean dollars expended for distance learning ranged between $6,838 and $19,335. (LP)

Discusses (1) characteristics distinguishing independent schools from public and other private schools (self-governance, self-support, self-defined curriculum, self-selected students and faculty, and small size); (2) self-imposed and environmental challenges confronting independent schools (demographic change, commitment to diversity, and public…

The reputation of private independent schools began improving as Americans started believing that public schools were not living up to their expectations. Though many states regulate important aspects of private schools, and being private precludes access to public funds, nonpublic schools have significant autonomy and promote diversity and…

Proponents of charter schools hope to break the logjam that has stymied school reform. Some school districts issue charters to groups of interested teachers, parents, or community members and hold them accountable for administering a school and achieving specific student goals. However, charter schools may fail to deliver high-quality programs or…

A case study of a successful alternative school in South Carolina for rural at-risk students suggests that the school exhibits four characteristics of successful urban schools for at-risk students: small class size, caring staff, school as community, and program flexibility. Two other vital features are the leadership role of the principal and a…

Describes educational principles and practices of village schools in Baselland Canton, Switzerland. Examines educational philosophy, administrative and school structure, financial support, curricula and grading, and perceptions of teachers and administrators. Suggests that the Swiss are content with their educational system and level of school…

A charter school in Kenai, Alaska, offers back-to-basics curriculum and direct instruction. The school has drawn many home-schoolers back to the public school system, and consistently scores high on standardized tests. The school's success is attributed to teachers' collaboration and common vision, continuity across grades, high academic…

Discusses the rapid growth of a Catholic K-8 school in Oklahoma. Reports that the school opened in 1990 and more than quintupled in size by 2001, making it the largest Catholic school in the state. Identifies the school's number one priority as its commitment to Catholicism. (NB)

Though many maintain that current standards-based school reform is unprecedented, an educational reform effort begun nearly a century ago set standards for improving rural midwestern schools. Begun during the tumultuous Progressive Era, the standard-school initiative emerged from a larger concern for the quality of American rural life. A…

A study examined the changing nature of teacher leadership roles in six small rural schools without formal teacher leadership roles. Interviews with 28 teachers and principals indicate that small rural schools might see teacher leadership in unique ways. Most frequently mentioned role categories involved emergence of teacher leadership due to…

This article reports the results of the evaluation on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's national high school initiative. The new evaluation offers a decidedly mixed picture of the early returns the foundation is getting from the roughly $1 billion it has invested in the initiative so far. The in-depth study, commissioned by the foundation,…