The goals and purposes of the National Rural Education Association (N.R.E.A) as revised in October 1986 derive from the general goal to improve educational opportunities for children in rural areas with additional attention to those for whom opportunities have been severely limited in the past. Specific goals/objectives concerning national leadership and voice include serving as national advocate/representative for rural education through position papers, policy development, and expansion of rural publications; providing coordination at the national level for rural education programs/activities; providing leadership for rural education related conferences/workshops; and providing a forum for public educators in rural areas. Specific goals/objectives concerning needs of rural students include promoting state/regional delivery systems which identify rural education materials and program needs, encouraging mass media and technology to serve rural education more efficiently, and encouraging use of distance education technology; recognizing exemplary delivery systems and practices; encouraging collection/dissemination of practices, data, and other information; encouraging sharing of resources and services; encouraging colleges/universities to develop materials/resources for rural schools and to train school personnel for work in small schools; and stimulating discussion, research and policy for public and private agencies to develop educational materials/technology appropriate to rural children. (LFL)