https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/rural-education-schools Rural Education en-US 2021 (c) Education Week Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:20:55 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/youll-make-new-friends-what-happens-to-students-when-their-school-closes/2026/09 How two middle schoolers managed uncertainty as their rural school closed its doors. Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:20:55 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/youll-make-new-friends-what-happens-to-students-when-their-school-closes/2026/09 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/two-districts-pave-a-road-toward-a-shared-future-and-survival/2026/09 A rural school district was facing the urgent threat of dissolution. Its leaders found another way. Tue, 08 Sep 2026 04:01:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/two-districts-pave-a-road-toward-a-shared-future-and-survival/2026/09 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/opinion-for-this-school-board-president-leadership-starts-with-humility/2026/09 Amid a big transition, active communication helped this leader hold the community together. Tue, 08 Sep 2026 04:01:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/opinion-for-this-school-board-president-leadership-starts-with-humility/2026/09 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/opinion-our-school-leaves-town-every-day-a-story-of-rural-resilience-and-survival/2026/09 For more than a year, this town’s only school has stood empty. The spirit of community endures. Tue, 08 Sep 2026 04:01:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/opinion-our-school-leaves-town-every-day-a-story-of-rural-resilience-and-survival/2026/09 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/opinion-when-your-district-goes-through-big-changes-relationships-are-critical/2026/09 A neighboring school closed. His district embraced a reorganization. It was a lesson in leadership. Tue, 08 Sep 2026 04:01:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/opinion-when-your-district-goes-through-big-changes-relationships-are-critical/2026/09 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/opinion-the-question-that-guided-this-school-district-through-an-impossible-decision/2026/09 Declining enrollment reshaped her district. This school board member has lessons for other leaders. Tue, 08 Sep 2026 04:01:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/opinion-the-question-that-guided-this-school-district-through-an-impossible-decision/2026/09 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/big-ideas-2026-building-bridges-so-students-can-thrive How can you create strong partnerships and manage conflict? A roadmap for education leaders. Tue, 08 Sep 2026 04:01:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/big-ideas-2026-building-bridges-so-students-can-thrive https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/how-to-nurture-teacher-retention-in-far-flung-rural-districts/2026/08 Working conditions and community involvement can top pay for rural educators. Fri, 21 Aug 2026 20:51:28 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/how-to-nurture-teacher-retention-in-far-flung-rural-districts/2026/08 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/what-this-rural-head-start-program-stands-to-lose-with-federal-changes/2026/08 The federal government just announced plans to de-regulate Head Start. Here's what this might mean. Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:27:40 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/teaching-learning/what-this-rural-head-start-program-stands-to-lose-with-federal-changes/2026/08 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leaders/2026/how-one-rural-district-used-college-students-to-keep-english-learners-in-school This leader's mentorship program with a local university has helped rural English learners at risk of dropping out. Mon, 09 Feb 2026 05:01:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leaders/2026/how-one-rural-district-used-college-students-to-keep-english-learners-in-school https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/congress-revived-a-fund-for-rural-schools-their-struggles-arent-over/2025/12 Federal funds will again flow to districts with national forest land—but broader funding uncertainties remain. Fri, 12 Dec 2025 21:46:44 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/congress-revived-a-fund-for-rural-schools-their-struggles-arent-over/2025/12 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/states-consider-district-consolidations-as-student-enrollment-drops/2025/12 Rural educators say the decision to combine school districts is a matter of local control. Fri, 05 Dec 2025 22:03:03 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/states-consider-district-consolidations-as-student-enrollment-drops/2025/12 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/are-charter-schools-the-right-fit-for-rural-communities/2025/08 Rural charter leaders face challenges growing student enrollment and providing access to services. Fri, 08 Aug 2025 19:59:10 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/are-charter-schools-the-right-fit-for-rural-communities/2025/08 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/how-rural-schools-share-services-and-try-to-stay-relevant-in-these-2-states/2025/08 Even small fluctuations in student enrollment can create financial hardships for rural schools. Fri, 08 Aug 2025 18:38:19 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/how-rural-schools-share-services-and-try-to-stay-relevant-in-these-2-states/2025/08 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/the-3-states-that-dont-allow-charter-schools-and-why/2025/08 Rural states were historically resistant to charter schools, but that has changed in recent years. Mon, 04 Aug 2025 21:10:39 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/the-3-states-that-dont-allow-charter-schools-and-why/2025/08 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/sponsor/national-academies/strengthening-stem-education-and-workforce-development-in-rural-america When it comes to STEM education and workforce development, rural communities are often underserved, overlooked, and left out of the conversation entirely Fri, 01 Aug 2025 04:00:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/sponsor/national-academies/strengthening-stem-education-and-workforce-development-in-rural-america https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/how-rural-schools-are-faring-under-trump/2025/06 Changes to federal grants and state funding formulas could hit rural schools as they scramble to stay afloat. Wed, 25 Jun 2025 07:00:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/how-rural-schools-are-faring-under-trump/2025/06 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/a-tsunami-of-uncertainty-is-crashing-into-federal-funding-for-schools/2025/06 The Trump administration has cut grants, terminated contracts, delayed funding estimates, and cut off communications to districts. Tue, 17 Jun 2025 21:07:08 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/a-tsunami-of-uncertainty-is-crashing-into-federal-funding-for-schools/2025/06 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/the-low-cost-low-lift-way-these-districts-used-to-reduce-student-absences/2025/06 Dozens of districts tested this strategy as one component of their absenteeism-fighting strategy. Fri, 06 Jun 2025 19:22:52 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/the-low-cost-low-lift-way-these-districts-used-to-reduce-student-absences/2025/06 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/video-how-a-school-has-changed-its-menu-after-losing-usda-funds-for-local-food/2025/05 The loss of a USDA local food grant has forced menu changes at this rural Tennessee school district, and local farmers have lost business. Thu, 29 May 2025 20:25:42 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/video-how-a-school-has-changed-its-menu-after-losing-usda-funds-for-local-food/2025/05 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/opinion-we-get-to-be-a-kayak-why-this-superintendent-isnt-panicking-over-politics/2025/04 A small, rural district is ready to prove the relevance of its schools to parents and policymakers. Mon, 28 Apr 2025 20:00:46 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/opinion-we-get-to-be-a-kayak-why-this-superintendent-isnt-panicking-over-politics/2025/04 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/civil-rights-research-and-more-whats-hit-hardest-by-massive-ed-dept-cuts/2025/03 An analysis of the Trump administration's cuts to the agency shows its civil rights enforcement and research arms are hit particularly hard. Wed, 12 Mar 2025 23:27:56 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/civil-rights-research-and-more-whats-hit-hardest-by-massive-ed-dept-cuts/2025/03 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/rural-schools-are-set-to-lose-key-federal-funds-unless-congress-acts-fast/2025/01 Thousands of districts near national forest land could lose money as the Secure Rural Schools Act expires. Fri, 03 Jan 2025 19:54:33 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/rural-schools-are-set-to-lose-key-federal-funds-unless-congress-acts-fast/2025/01 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/schools-have-their-work-cut-out-to-get-stem-teachers-heres-how-to-do-it/2024/09 Schools can be creative about using current staff and partnerships with businesses to provide STEM learning. Mon, 09 Sep 2024 04:01:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/schools-have-their-work-cut-out-to-get-stem-teachers-heres-how-to-do-it/2024/09 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/a-funding-lifeline-for-rural-schools-is-at-risk-and-not-for-the-first-time/2024/08 Rural schools near national forests rely on dedicated federal funds. But so far, lawmakers haven't renewed them. Fri, 16 Aug 2024 19:10:06 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/policy-politics/a-funding-lifeline-for-rural-schools-is-at-risk-and-not-for-the-first-time/2024/08 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/rural-schools-are-fighting-for-their-existence-what-the-future-could-look-like/2024/07 Rural schools have long been contending with enrollment declines that are still relatively new to districts in more populated areas. Mon, 29 Jul 2024 20:40:34 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/rural-schools-are-fighting-for-their-existence-what-the-future-could-look-like/2024/07 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/opinion-teacher-housing-is-a-critical-need-in-native-communities/2024/01 We can't forget about Indian lands school districts when talking about teacher housing, says this letter to the editor. Tue, 30 Jan 2024 20:00:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/opinion-teacher-housing-is-a-critical-need-in-native-communities/2024/01 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/the-state-of-rural-schools-in-charts-funding-graduation-rates-performance-and-more/2023/11 Rural schools receive less funding on average from states, but they still deal with the mental health and academic crises facing all schools. Mon, 20 Nov 2023 22:23:00 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/the-state-of-rural-schools-in-charts-funding-graduation-rates-performance-and-more/2023/11 https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/report-outlines-the-distinct-challenges-facing-rural-schools/2023/11 They enroll more students than the 100 largest districts combined, but rural schools have higher operating costs and lower teacher pay. Fri, 17 Nov 2023 00:44:22 GMT https://www-edweek-org.ezproxy.baylor.edu/leadership/report-outlines-the-distinct-challenges-facing-rural-schools/2023/11