The Bloomsbury Handbook of Rural Education in the United States

This handbook provides an overview of rural education, examining the influences of definitions, histories, policies, and demographic changes on rural schools. It explores school closures, charter schools, district governance, curriculum studies, identity and equity, and applies theoretical tools to rural classroom experiences. Each section concludes with a response by an international scholar, situating the topics within the broader global context.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This comprehensive handbook provides a thorough exploration of rural education, delving into the intricate dynamics that shape rural schools. It begins by offering a foundational overview, examining the diverse factors that influence rural education, including definitions, histories, policies, and demographic shifts. This foundational approach encompasses how corporatization, population changes, poverty, and the utilization of data impact everyday learning in rural contexts.

In subsequent sections, the contributors delve into the complex interplay between school closures, charter schools, and district governance in rural schooling. They examine how these structures shape decision-making processes, as well as their impact on higher education attainment, rural school partnerships, and school leadership. The handbook also explores curriculum studies in rural education, encompassing place-based and trauma-informed pedagogies, rural literacies, the challenge of rural stereotype threat, and achievement disparities.

To address issues of identity and equity in rural schools, the handbook provides an overview of the literature related to diverse populations in rural places, including Indigenous, Black, and Latinx communities, as well as exceptional learners. Importantly, this handbook employs theoretical tools to analyze rural classroom experiences, showcasing the potential of work that bridges theory, rurality, and classroom practice.

Each section concludes with a response by an international scholar, placing the topics covered within the broader global context. This handbook serves as a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the unique challenges and opportunities faced by rural schools. By providing a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective, it contributes to the ongoing dialogue about rural education and its role in shaping the future of education.

Weight: 554g
Dimension: 244 x 169 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350244290