Recommendations from the North Star State

Rural Administrators Speak Out

  • Julia M. Williams University of Minnesota, Duluth
  • Gerry Nierengarten University of Minnesota, Duluth

Abstract

Administrators in America’s rural school districts are uniquely challenged to meet increased achievement expectations despite decreasing resources. Mandated reform initiatives, population decline, and the complex formulas used to distribute tax-based funding have disproportionately affected rural schools. In this mixed-methods study, researchers first surveyed K-12 administrators and then conducted focus groups across six regions in Minnesota to determine the nature of the challenges specific to rural administrators and to document their perceived needs for interventions, training, and policy changes. The study identified two categories of common concern: student achievement and fiscal management. Within the category of student achievement, administrators identified four areas of need for assistance: testing and adequate yearly progress, achievement for all, staff and professional development, and data analysis. Within the category of fiscal management, needs for assistance included balancing budgets and transportation/sparsity policy. Analysis of the data gathered indicates statewide implications for professional development and policy review.  

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Author Biographies

Julia M. Williams, University of Minnesota, Duluth
Dr. Julia Williams is an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she teaches courses in assessment and evaluation. .Her research agenda includes effective continuous improvement processes in rural and urban schools, and context-based measurement of understanding.
Gerry Nierengarten, University of Minnesota, Duluth

Dr. Gerry Nierengarten is an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth, and teaches courses in special education. Her research agenda includes co-teaching, inclusion of children with special needs in general education and special education services in rural schools.

Published
2011-11-15
How to Cite
Williams, J. M., & Nierengarten, G. (2011). Recommendations from the North Star State. The Rural Educator, 33(1). https://doi.org/10.35608/ruraled.v33i1.419
Section
Research Articles