The purpose of this bulletin is to present information relating to State programs for the improvement of rural school instruction in four States. The educational background conditioning the development of the plans and points of view held by the State education officials responsible for such development in the respective States have differed considerably. In the account of the program in each State, attention is devoted to its historical development, to its administration at the present time, and to activities of the education officials to whom is entrusted its execution. Each account closes with a brief summary of achievements up to date. The following State programs are discussed: (1) The Minnesota program; (2) The Missouri program; (3) The North Dakota program; and (4) The Idaho program. [Best copy available has been provided.]