Collective impact: Bring key stakeholders together to reduce the opportunity
gap for rural students and develop comprehensive solutions to rural issues.
The commitment to connect Quitman County students to a world of learning via technology helps level the playing
field for these rural students through a school culture that embraces creativity and curiosity.
According to «Out of the Loop,» a recent report by the National School Boards Association, «Poverty, isolation, and inequities are
exacerbated for rural students by the lack of attention to the unique needs of this considerable population.»
«Out of the Loop,» a new report from the National School Boards Association's (NSBA), Center for Public Education (CPE), finds that poverty, isolation and inequities are exacerbated
for rural students by the lack of attention to the unique needs of this considerable student population.
The CBABC presented a Report to Premier Christy Clark and 2 key Ministers in August entitled, «The Business
Case for a Rural Student Lawyer Loan Forgiveness Program» that was led by then President Jennifer Chow and included consultations with students at all 3 BC law schools (with TRU JD students particularly active as they face the highest tuition) and members of the bar.
[5] Canadian Bar Association British Columbia Branch, «The Business Case
for a Rural Student Lawyer Loan Forgiveness Program», August 2016, page 12.
Satellite internet based
eLearning for rural students provides not only access to information and resources that would otherwise be unavailable, it also gives them a platforms where they can interact with other learners and teachers.
Based on this information, Kissam makes several recommendations that could not only help to close the attainment gap between rural Hispanic students and their white peers but could also improve
outcomes for all rural students:
«The
problem for rural students and families who are dissatisfied with the offerings in their public school and want more choices is that they often have no other available public or private school in their area,» authors of the report wrote.
Still, the schools have been draining funds from rural districts, and have been quickly endorsed by DeVos as the
option for rural students who may not have access to private institutions or brick - and - mortar charter schools.
Nesloney is not alone in seeking
access for rural students, who make up nearly 20 percent of the nation's students, according to NSBA's Center for Public Education.
(A recent report from Bellwether Education Partners suggested that personalized learning, like the program in Columbus, is especially
promising for rural students because they can access more courses and opportunities like dual enrollment).
However, the steep jump in 4 - year degree
attainment for rural students (up to 54.5 % of rural degree holders from 39 % between 1982 — 1989) could be an indicator of a larger movement to urban areas capable of providing those programs.
«Policymakers have a real opportunity to help level the playing
field for rural students, however it's going to require thoughtful solutions that are tailored to the unique conditions of specific communities.»
What do you think states should do to improve rural education or opportunities
for rural students?