Examines the potential role of the rural school within the context of community development. Clarifies the differences between community growth and community development, and between community development and economic development. Rural community development is a process of developing the capacity of rural residents to identify common interests…

High school students surveyed 200 businesses in Immokalee, Florida, using the findings to create a business directory. Students learned about elementary statistics, interviewing, public relations, and data reporting. The project benefitted school-community relations and made students more aware of their community. (SK)

Community development depends on capable, visionary local leaders and on informed and active citizens. Thus, in the long run, education for all citizens may be the most critical ingredient to the success of rural community development programs. Schools can further contribute to the development of rural communities by providing an explicit…