Research:
Published biennially since 1999, Why Rural Matters research report and analysis provides an overall priority ranking for each of the fifty states. This unique and premier research is based on numerous public data sources including demography, levels of poverty, student achievement and graduation rates, teacher recruitment and retention, state financial investments and resources, early childhood, and college and career readiness.
Professional Development for Rural Superintendents:
AASA and RSCT services, publications, workshops, professional development trainings, conferences, and webinars will incorporate current priorities and challenges that are unique to rural school districts. This coordination will increase the capacity of schools and communities to design and implement strategies based on local assets, job creation and economic development opportunities, increased awareness of place-based learning as a school reform and community revitalization strategy. Focused research, evaluation, and communications will encourage school leaders and communities to expand technical training, workforce preparedness, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Building Rural State and Regional Networks:
Aligning AASA state affiliates and partners with the RSCT's national networks will result in enhanced tools and skills to strengthen and nurture organizational relationships necessary to support academic and economic development goals at the local, state, and regional levels. Partners include community and economic development corporations and associations, higher education institutions, community foundations, business and policy leaders, and the media to ensure all rural children and places flourish.
Future Rural Educators:
Rural residents and communities most appreciate fully and understand their schools and districts. Establishing supportive relationships with students interested in education as a career is an effective "grow your own" strategy connected with respect for local history, culture, and place. Often identifying and supporting highly effective educators is difficult in many rural schools and communities, particularly in remote rural communities and places with high concentrations of children of color and poverty, low and inequitable pay, and professional and social isolation. This priority focuses on developing future educators who are native to and desire to return home, or already living in the community.
Growing Resources for Rural School Districts:
Both in terms of educator human capital and funding, this partnership continues to generate attention and interest from funders and supporters, particularly regarding AASA's rural members and the RSCT's research and publications. Opportunities exist to diversify revenue and create new opportunities for grant-supported and fee-based services. Several foundation and public sector grants concentrate on providing comprehensive rural place-based learning, research and policy analysis, professional development, grassroots advocacy and support, however, more should and needs to be done on behalf of rural students. This partnership is dedicated to addressing these realities.