Published in 1995 this book provides an account of a detailed research project focusing on a rural school in West Virginia. Researched from several social science perspectives the book strives to capture intersections between biography and history in a particular public school - Burnsville High and Middle school in Braxton County - that has been influenced by social, political, and economic forces, eventually leading to its closure. The author also discusses how the example of this school can be applied within the framework of American public education and Western culture itself. Based on research from unstructured interviews, oral histories, historical records, and intermittent fieldwork that took place between 1989 and 1992, the book provides an in-depth look at a specific school, offering a basis for discussing rural schools in general. It challenges the idea that bigger schools are better and more efficient schools in terms of the individual, the social life of the school, and the surrounding community, and considers the lack of scholarly accounts available on the issues, controversies, and social dynamics that surround these vital community matters.

Originally published in 1991, essays discuss and analyse rural schooling in its historical, social, and political contexts as well as its educational mission. Collections covering rural education in the United States are relatively rare, particularly texts that focus on available research literature in context, and many existing texts are written by educators outside of the University. This book covers historical and social factors, rural education in the field, and the future of American Schooling. The chapters comprise not only an airing of issues, concerns, and findings, but also a guide to scholarship in the areas covered. Included is a resource guide to information specific to rural education and rural special education.

Published in 1995 this book provides an account of a detailed research project focusing on a rural school in West Virginia. Researched from several social science perspectives the book strives to capture intersections between biography and history in a particular public school - Burnsville High and Middle school in Braxton County - that has been influenced by social, political, and economic forces, eventually leading to its closure. The author also discusses how the example of this school can be applied within the framework of American public education and Western culture itself. Based on research from unstructured interviews, oral histories, historical records, and intermittent fieldwork that took place between 1989 and 1992, the book provides an in-depth look at a specific school, offering a basis for discussing rural schools in general. It challenges the idea that bigger schools are better and more efficient schools in terms of the individual, the social life of the school, and the surrounding community, and considers the lack of scholarly accounts available on the issues, controversies, and social dynamics that surround these vital community matters.

Originally published in 1991, essays discuss and analyse rural schooling in its historical, social, and political contexts as well as its educational mission. Collections covering rural education in the United States are relatively rare, particularly texts that focus on available research literature in context, and many existing texts are written by educators outside of the University. This book covers historical and social factors, rural education in the field, and the future of American Schooling. The chapters comprise not only an airing of issues, concerns, and findings, but also a guide to scholarship in the areas covered. Included is a resource guide to information specific to rural education and rural special education.