A Research Report of Small [microform] : Rural School Districts In North Dakota Compared to School Districts of Similiar Size Nationwide / Bruce O. Barker and Ivan D. Muse

The study compared nationwide research findings about the districts, superintendents, teachers, programs, and student performance in 642 public school districts with an enrollment of 900 or less (defined as small/rural) to data from a random sample of school districts of similar size in North Dakota. Data were collected from superintendents by questionnaire during the 1982-83 school year. Twenty-nine of North Dakota's 216 small/rural school districts, or 74.4% of those surveyed, responded. North Dakota small/rural school districts averaged 228 students with 116.2 students per school, both figures less than national averages. The last bond issue averaged $212,125 compared to $716,000 nationally, and 62.1% of the districts reported declining enrollments compared to 36.2% nationally. While 55.4% of the superintendents surveyed nationally held master's degrees, over 96% of North Dakota small school superintendents held master's degrees. None held education specialists degrees, compared to 31.5% nationally. Although most North Dakota superintendents held full-time positions, their salaries were lower than national figures. Teacher/student ratios matched the national averages and teacher salaries and duties also compared favorably. Graduating seniors exhibited high academic achievement in North Dakota. Nearly half went on to college, compared to 38.6% nationally. School programs compared favorably in the areas of curriculum and resource personnel but less so in the area of sports programs. (SB)