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Researchers analyzed three myths that often put rural education at a disadvantage. (Getty Images photo via The Conversation) |
The first myth is summed up in five words: "Rural communities are overwhelmingly white. . . . .While it’s true that most rural counties are majority white, these communities are becoming increasingly diverse," Williams, Dubose and Clarida explain. "Without truly understanding who resides in these communities, educators and policymakers cannot adequately address students’ needs. Failure to do so widens opportunity gaps for rural students, particularly those who reside in the South."
The second myth centers on the idea that rural communities "lack the knowledge or resources to educate their youth," they write. "Policymakers often fail to include rural communities’ cultural capital when they develop textbooks, teacher training plans and education policies. By cultural capital, we mean the knowledge, skills, education and advantages that people inherit and use to achieve success in society."
When rural cultural capital is ignored, smaller schools can suffer. In fact, the current system often penalizes rural schools for being smaller.
The third myth: The majority of rural students are underachievers. They write, "Students in rural areas meet the same measures of success as in urban ones – especially in the early years. . . . Graduation rates among rural students are higher than those of non-rural students. . . . Their academic success is too often overlooked by researchers and educators. . . . Policymakers fail these students, who have college-going rates that are lower than in urban areas."
Rural schools and communities need to be recognized for their advantages and rich resources. They add, "We believe debunking myths and recognizing the diverse strengths of rural communities would help ensure that all students across the nation, including those in rural areas, can attain long-term educational and economic success."
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