Author talks to Torsten Husen, one of the architects of Sweden's comprehensive system, about his current ideas on reforming schools. (Editor/RK)

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…

A nationwide assessment of perceived needs for improvement in smaller schools provided some serendipitous insight into reasons for less than ideal relationships between teachers and administrators. Although rankings within groups varied somewhat, there were seven areas of need recognized by both teachers and administrators. Collaboration and…

A random sample of 559 secondary small school principals in Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas revealed that 73 percent of the principals were actively seeking new positions or were leaving school administration. The findings have implications for selection procedures, salary/fringe benefit packages, principal autonomy, evaluation…

In the Midwest, three types of cooperation among rural school districts have supplemented rural schools' limited curricula and facilities: (1) shared classes, with cooperative transportation between schools; (2) shared classes via cable television; and (3) shared extracurricular activities. (JW)

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)

A small high schools' staff development effort to train teachers in computer literacy is recounted. Staff developers used teacher feedback in designing the program, which started as a one-shot workshop but grew into a continuing professional development activity. (PP)

The Southern Rural High School Study Initiative seeks to identify high performing rural high schools in the South, engage education leaders in the region in analyzing the challenges faced by these schools and consider the public policies that might serve to transfer the lessons and strategies used by these schools to other small rural high schools…

This paper describes efforts to increase the prevalence, rigor and relevance of Project Based Learning in US schools and internationally. Under a grant from the Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education (FIPSE), US Department of Education, the Buck Institute for Education and partners are offering: 1) an online staff development…

This report includes observations from the first year of a three-year study of seven small high schools in Washington State. It discusses the results schools are beginning to see from knowing students and their learning needs more deeply. Progress to date includes teachers recognizing the need for personalization, designing structures to support…

This paper examines the environmental impacts of replacing the Bison, South Dakota School District's elementary and high school heating system consisting of oil-fired boilers, and supporting electrical components with a new coal-fired boiler and supporting control system piping. Various alternative systems are also examined, including purchasing a…

Article points out the advantages of a modern two room school with 27 students. The teacher relates books, exercises, and techniques that have been the most helpful in this K-3 situation. (GB)

To summarize: (1) the liberal education tradition must be reasserted; (2) college goals are to transform students into mature and educable persons; (3) human relations are the essence of a liberal education; (4) administrators must be aware of residential institutions' strengths; and (5) community adults form a necessary resource for the liberally…

Explains how schools, regardless of size, can provide ongoing and innovative programs for professional growth. (JM)