Chapter 6: A New Narrative on Rural Education: How One High School Takes on 21st Century Challenges

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan used an appearance at the 2013 Rural Education National Forum to tout a “New Narrative of Rural Education.” In his speech, he detailed many challenges for rural schools and described examples he found contrary to the “old” narrative that rural schools are incapable of having innovative curriculum or rigorous STEM education. For many rural school leaders, Secretary Duncan provided neither a new nor complete narrative on rural education. Over the last few decades, most leaders in rural districts have been actively and creatively negotiating the dual challenge of readying students for postsecondary options while also considering how they can develop the long-term welfare of the local community (Carr & Kefalas, 2009; Hektner, 1995; McDonough, Gildersleeve, & Jarsky, 2010; Schafft, Alter, & Bridger, 2006). Of course, these rural school leaders must often balance these goals amidst high poverty (Irving, Meece, Byun, Farmer, & Hutchins, 2011), declining economies (Hines, 2002), shrinking populations (Schafft et al., 2006), and attracting and retaining qualified teachers (Monk, 2007). We were interested in how school and district leaders manage these competing challenges and opportunities in a way that promotes academic achievement for all students while also strengthening the community.