Potential Roles for Schools in Revitalizing Rural Communities: Perspectives From Canada, the United States, and Australia

Session Submission Type: Symposium

Abstract

Many researchers believe successful rural revitalization requires partnerships between schools and the places they are located, arguing the fates of schools and communities are inextricably tied. Yet rural research shows many economically distressed rural communities struggle toward revitalization without contributions of local schools. This is changing thanks to reform efforts linking curriculum to concerns relevant to students’ contexts. There is growing recognition that schools cannot operate in social vacuums, even if the work to bring them into the community is time consuming and complex. This symposium focuses on possibilities for bringing schools and communities together in rural revitalization efforts. Six well-known researchers (Canada, US, Australia) discuss the promise and pitfalls of partnerships from their particular social, economic and geographic perspectives.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Rural Education

Chair

• Linda Farr Darling, The University of British Columbia

Papers

• Potential Roles for Schools in Rural Revitalization: School Closures and Community Well-Being - Dennis M. Mulcahy, Memorial University

• Small Schools, Rurality and the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA): Is It possible Atlantic Canadian Rural Schools Are Overperforming? - Michael J. Corbett, Acadia University

• Potential Roles for Schools in Rural Revitalization: The Coming Vitality of Rural Places - Craig B. Howley, Ohio University - Athens; Aimee A. Howley, Ohio University

• Potential Roles for Schools in Rural Revitalization: Perspectives From Australia - Bill Green, Charles Sturt University

• Potential Roles for Schools in Rural Revitalization: Perspectives on Teacher Preparation in Australia - Jo-Anne Reid, Charles Sturt University