Rural places are defined by their connectedness—close-knit, supportive communities that work together to meet the needs of children and families. But geographic isolation is another defining feature of rural places, one that often renders rural families invisible to nonrural Americans. From food and housing insecurity and critical shortages in child care options to underreporting of child maltreatment and continued inadequate access to healthcare, the well-being of rural children and their families is particularly at risk as the pandemic continues.


Identifying Risks to the Well-Being of Rural Young Children and Families





Also In this Issue

Identifying Risks to the Well-Being of Rural Young Children and Families

By Sara L. Hartman

The pandemic compounded an array of preexisting health and wellness challenges in many communities.





Teacher Recruitment and Retention in Rural Colorado

By Kirk Banghart

Rural districts band together, with help from partners and grants, to attract and keep teaching staff.





Colorado’s Network for Local Accountability

By Kirk Banghart

A network of rural peers help districts design meaningful, timely, community-connected accountability.





Professional Learning in Appalachia

By Melissa Tooley and Sabia Prescott

Microcredentials show promise in overcoming the challenges of offering rural educators high-quality opportunities.






Challenges Facing Schools in Rural America

By Mara Casey Tieken and MK Montgomery

In schools accustomed to making a little go a long way, the pandemic increased the burden.





Online Learning for Rural Students

By Reg Leichty

Expanded rural broadband service can help overcome inequitable access to digital instruction.







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