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RURAL EDUCATION
HEADLINES
1.
Towns fear losing school would be 'death knell'
The Salt Lake Tribune
Times
may be changing for two adjoining communities with a combined population
just shy of 1,800 in central Utah. A proposal submitted to the Carbon School
District's board recommends that East Carbon High School, grades 7−12, be
closed, effective the 2005−06 school year.
2.
Senators propose rural teacher bonuses
Organizations
Concerned with Rural Education (OCRE)
Three
senators from largely rural states have introduced legislation that would
create a $50 million program to help rural schools with a teacher turnover
rate higher than 5% to pay signing and retention bonuses to qualified
teachers.
3.
Hard decisions in Montana as enrollments dip
Billings Gazette
According to Montana's Office of Public Instruction, enrollment in Montana
schools for 2004−05 was 146,705, compared with 165,507 in 1995−96. The
impact of declining enrollment is most acute in small districts because
while numbers sink, operating costs remain the same.
4.
Rural way of life at stake
The Kansas City Star
Kansas
and Iowa State University economists say attempts to revive rural America
have been misguided. They assert that instead of competing against each
other for economic development, rural communities should cooperate and
select a place that will be the focus of shared development efforts.
5.
Remote school aims high
Reno Gazette-Journal
Students
can walk down the hallways of Owyhee Combined School and see reflections of
themselves in mirrors. The views don’t guarantee good grades in mathematics
and science, but they might help with something important for the 278 mostly
American Indian children: self esteem.
EVENTS, WORKSHOPS, & OPPORTUNITIES
6.
Leading Learning for the Future Conference
Sept. 22−24, 2005, Westminster, CO
Are you ready for the future? Come to McREL’s “Leading Learning for the
Future” conference, where you’ll learn from cutting-edge research and
innovation how to create successful schools today and prepare for the
challenges of tomorrow.
7.
McREL summer teaching & learning academies
June−Aug. 2005, Aurora, CO
At McREL’s summer academies, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and tools
that you need to create more effective classrooms, schools, and districts.
Offerings include
Designing
Effective Science Lessons;
Dimensions of
Learning;
Assessment,
Grading, and Record Keeping in a Standards-Based System; and
Teaching
Writing in the Content Areas.
8.
McREL leadership academy in Montana
June 20−24, Big Sky, MT
Learn from McREL research how to become a more effective school leader
during a 5-day academy hosted by Montana State University-Bozeman, which is
open to principals from other states. A $650 fee covers lodging, most meals,
breaks, and materials. Contact Boyd Dressler (406-994-1819).
RESEARCH & REPORTS
9.
Why Rural Matters 2005
Rural School & Community Trust
In larger urban states, rural students are largely invisible, according
to Why Rural Matters 2005, the third in a biannual series of reports
that examines 22 indicators that define the condition of rural
education.
10.
Progressive ed. in Nebraska’s last 1-teacher school
Journal of Research in Rural Ed.
Stephen
Swidler of University of Nebraska−Lincoln describes teaching practices
in a rural one-teacher school. With only eight students, subject matter
and grade levels are integrated though common curricula and instruction
is carried out in mixed-grade groups — in short, the very strategies
reformers advocate.
11.
Rural School Consolidation
National Rural Ed. Assoc. (NREA)
A new report
from the NREA Consolidation Task Force provides a review of the
literature on rural school consolidation, addresses current research and
issues related to consolidation with respect to school size, economies
of scale, and student achievement, and concludes with proposed
recommendations.
RESOURCES & INFORMATION
12.
Tech. for rural schools
Technology Grants for Rural Schools help rural public schools purchase
computers, connect to the Internet, and integrate effective and engaging
software and online resources into curriculum. Deadline: September
13, 2005.
13.
Foundations for Learning
The U.S. Dept. of Ed. Foundations Learning Program supports projects to
help eligible children become ready for school. Max. Award:
$200,000−$300,000. Eligibility:
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1.
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Local educational agencies; |
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2.
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Councils;
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3.
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Community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations; |
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4.
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Other public nonprofit private entities; or |
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5 .
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Combination of such entities. |
Deadline:
June 20, 2005.
14.
Fund for Teachers
This program provides up to $5,000 to support teacher summer learning
opportunities of their own design. Deadline: Varies by state.
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