ABSTRACT
Estimates of the rural student population vary, but the trend of persistently declining enrollments over the past few decades appears to have reversed, with recent data suggesting growth. Frequently cited advantages of rural education include a greater sense of community involvement, small schools and class sizes, a slower pace of and greater appreciation for time, closer relationships with family and friends, and safer schools and communities. Incorporating community resources and local culture into the curriculum for rural students mirrors efforts within gifted education to implement community-focused, problem-based models for enrichment, reflects valuing the unique nature of rural communities, and validates rural educators' desire and need to connect with the community. Nearly all interventions for gifted rural students emphasize the critical role of advanced technology, emphasizing that it may serve as a tool to equalize educational opportunity for rural gifted students relative to their non-rural counterparts.
