1. The Role of Rural Education in the Future of Rural Communities and the People who Live in Them Thomas W. Farmer Acknowledgment: Institute of Education Sciences United States Department of Education

2. Rural Communities Diverse Characteristics (across & within) a) Economic, infrastructure b) Geographic, natural resources c) Cultural, organizational Common Concerns and Needs a) Changing population (aging, immigrants, depopulation) b) Loss/change of traditional economic base c) Ability to attract/retain employment for workforce d) Ability to attract/retain professionals (health, education)

3. Preparing Rural Youth For the Future 1)Less looking back to previous generations 2)More moving toward the unknown 3)Linking past to the future (sense of place) 4)Educating out and giving back

4. The Mission of Rural Schools Standardized Achievement a) General academic curriculum b) College preparation Place-Based Education a) Link curriculum to the community b) Career exploration related to community professional needs Community Development a) Responsive to changing community characteristics b) Provide training consistent with community economic growth c) Support recruitment of businesses and professionals d) Serve as a community resource center

5. Implications for Rural Education 1)How to merge standardized curricula with placed-based education? 2)How to prepare students for college while maintaining their linkages with the community? 3)How to prepare students who are not college bound? 4)How to bring together business and the workforce? 5)How to use educational activities and resources of the school to address other community service needs (e.g., health, aging, vocational training)?

6. Research/Teacher Training Needs 1)Merging standardized achievement and place-based education 2)Career and community exploration activities 3)The delivery of advanced placement and college preparation courses 4)Linking school and community business leaders 5)Strategies to support the recruitment and retention of educators, healthcare providers, and other professionals