THE RURBAN FRINGE

Does Online Education Threaten Rural Schools?

In the June 2009 edition of Adminfo- a publication by the BC Principals’ and Vice Principals’ Association - Dan Kenkel, Principal at Valemount Secondary School, writes how online learning threatens the future of his small school.
In his opinion, rural schools need to be viewed as fragile ecosystems. 
Yet while lauding online learning as an empowering educational choice, he takes the stance that classroom [...]

Community Schools Get Celebrity Backing

In the US, a Senate bill calling for $1 billion to expand the number of full-service community schools is gaining momentum.
A twist on the traditional school model, community schools often provide additional services to students and their families such as primary, dental, or mental health care, career counselling, or nutrition education.
The bill proposes to set up a [...]

Learning to Fly

Further to my post about The Impacts of Rural School Consolidation, I wanted to share some impressive solutions rural schools have developed – often in partnership – to add value for their students … and for their community-at-large.

The Royal Tyrell Museum has collaborated to deliver videoconferencing education – with a paleontology angle – to students in Canada, the United States [...]

The Impacts of Rural School Consolidation

Rural schools have always played an important role in their communities by providing both an education and fostering a community’s sense of identity.
Beyond their educational function, rural schools are used for sports.  Music and theatre.  Community events.  And are increasingly vital for the cultural and economic development of their communities.
Vibrant communities generally have schools; dying [...]

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