Why Rural Matters 2013-14 Garners National Attention at Capitol Hill Briefing


Last Updated: August 27, 2014
 

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At the July 9th Hill briefing, research presenters, Dr. Daniel Showalter (Ohio University) and Dr. Robert Klein (Ohio University) summarized the report's key findings. Their research indicates that nearly 10 million students were enrolled in rural school districts during the 2010-11 school year. In other words, the number of rural students represents nearly 20% of the nation's total school enrollment. For the first time, the report has a focus on early childhood education in rural America and also provides a list of valuable sources of information on early childhood issues.

 

Key Research Findings:

 

  • Number of rural students is increasing: 9,765,385;
  • Rural student population is becoming more diverse;
  • Hispanic population has doubled in past decade;
  • 2.6 million (26.7%) are students of color;
  • Poverty rate has increased by 10%;
  • Based on early childhood data, critical intervention services are required to improve the future of rural education;
  • States with the highest rural education needs remain essentially the same: Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina and Arizona.

To watch a video clip of Representative Glen Thompson's (R-PA) comments on the WRM 2013 -14 Hill Briefing, please visit: Video: All Children are Equal and Need More Equitable Allocation Title I Funding

To view the Hill presentation, please click here:July 9, 2014 WRM 2013-14 Hill Presentation