Rural Schools Program

The Rural Schools Program connects Cornell knowledge with the Rural Schools Association’s mission to serve the small and rural school districts of New York State. With expertise spanning education policy, community sociology, statistical analysis, global development and more, our science team harnesses Cornell’s world-leading research to address the biggest issues facing public education across the state.

The Rural Schools Program is committed to empowering school districts with the data and information needed to make the best decisions for students. Here’s some of what we do:

• Explore research pertinent to small and rural school districts and disseminate results to public and decision-making bodies
• Illuminate impacts on rural schools of policy at state and national level and make relevant  recommendations
• Provide information to district members relating to staffing, curriculum, in-service training, instruction, family-school partnerships, school-community partnerships, student and family mental health and well-being, and general school management
• Promote communication among program members
• Conduct statewide conferences concerning the broad issues facing New York State’s small and rural school districts