The methodology used during the 2-year project involving 14 case studies of rural education improvement programs consisted of 4 sets of overlapping activities: (1) gearing up and completing the study design; (2) site visits, data collection, and case study write ups; (3) data analysis; and (4) technical assistance. The gearing up period was devoted to research existing programs, identifying team members and their responsibilities, and selecting the programs to be studied. Site visits lasted from three to five days for data collection and report writing, with return visits required to three of the locations. Data analysis was continuous throughout the two year period, and all information was reviewed upon completion of the project. A minimum of technical assistance was used during the first year, and approximately 10% of the principal investigator's time was devoted to technical assistance during the second year. Reflections on the methodology revealed four conditions which contribute to the quality of such studies as being: an experienced principal investigator; a well-developed conceptual framework; a carefully selected study team; and time and money. Methodology for future similar studies is recommended, and appendices to the narrative include descriptions of the case studies and the design work session. (JD)