Observed 34 children in a Midwest rural two-room school. Teacher strategies are described, as well as child behavior, as they differed from urban schools. Comparison of the Metropolitan Achievement Tests and the Science Research Associates (SRA) scores yielded little or no differences in performance between urban and rural children. (Author)

Rural schools will probably remain small as more expensive transportation eliminates consolidation. New attention directed toward America's rural schools will probably therefore be of greatest value if it inspires greater creativity in dealing with the advantages and disadvantages of small size. Part of a theme issue on rural education.…

A description of Project Preserve, a Colorado high school living history course which provides students with tools to find their roots and understand themselves and their futures, presents a history of the project; details the formation of goals, objectives, and philosophy; and notes the advantages to both students and community. (SB)

Six administrators share their ideas on such things as curriculum change, administrator role, a leisure activities day, career education, and enrollment decline--all in the context of the small school. (JM)

The author describes a modern one-room schoolhouse in Ocracoke, North Carolina--an open plan building in which six teachers instruct students aged 6 through 17. He extols the school's individualized learning environment, flexibility, and humanistic philosophy. (SJL)

Between 1968 and 1991, the number of middle schools in the United States quadrupled from about 2,000 to more than 8,500. A study in four states--Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia--suggests a connection between pursuit of the middle school concept, school closings, and diminished chances for the survival of rural communities. (MLF)

In an effort to find out what makes small schools work, teachers, administrators, and students from seven small high schools in seven states were interviewed. While each school was different, themes that surfaced included the presence of varied forms of small learning communities, personalized learning plans, learner-centered assessment and…

Describes the building design of the library and technology center named in the title, including the educational context and design goals. Includes a general description; information on the architect, construction team, and manufacturers and suppliers; and a case study of costs and specifications. (EV)

Educators should encourage the "small is beautiful" approach to school improvement because it mobilizes a powerful "inside out" process instrumental to organizational effectiveness. As a study of two rural Vermont high schools shows, creative ways are needed to channel and maximize innovation without dampening the dynamics of…

While visiting small town school districts across the country, two educational administration professors discovered that boards of education everywhere faced the same challenges and exercised considerable competence, conscientiousness, and civic responsibility. Chief concerns were trying economic circumstances, changing demography, and district…

Describes the successful school serving preschool-twelfth grade in St. Mary's Alaska--a small remote Yupik community. Examines the bilingual curriculum, strong community support, and the school's philosophy and goals emphasizing integration of Yupik ways and values and the educational responsibility of the community. (SV)

Reports on the education provided by three rural Australian central schools, as perceived by their administrators, teachers, students, and parents. Emphasizes the importance of the central school as a community focal point, the benefits of small class size, and the desire for a broader curriculum. Contains 10 references. (SV)

Reviews movement away from mass schooling toward individualization of instruction using telecommunications and high technology to provide information and advanced subjects. Presents One Room Schoolhouse and Smallway, two models for small rural schools which preserve the community school without sacrificing educational quality. Notes need for…

Describes a peer leadership program implemented at a small rural Vermont school that grouped junior high students identified as having social skill problems with model high school students for activities such as field trips, challenge games, and community service projects. As a result, referrals for disciplinary action decreased among junior high…

Addresses the inappropriateness of methods designed for large classrooms in a small rural school. Offers advantages of small class that are lost in stereotypes based on larger classes. Discusses orientation to the average pupil contrasted with opportunities for more individualized materials in a small class. Criticizes the predominance of frontal…