In the South, how our rural schools fare, and the impact this has on our economic health, is
especially important. Compared to the rest of the country, not only do Southern states have a
larger percentage of schools with unique rural challenges, such as limited access to resources and
high staff turnover, but they also have a larger percentage of underperforming rural schools. These
states, which include swaths of Appalachia and the Mississippi Delta, have more rural communities
that are chronically poor and, as such, have greater challenges when it comes to improving
student achievement. We know that as a state and as a region, we won’t be able to achieve our
ambitious goals without focusing on our rural schools and communities.
It has become clear to us that not only is a plan of action for how to transform rural education
needed, but it also must be deliberately and intentionally tailored to our southern context.
Earlier this year, SCORE conducted a listening tour in preparation for the Southeast Regional Rural
Education Summit to learn more about the barriers our rural communities face, to identify the best
practices that are already occurring in our state and region, and to determine what lessons can
be replicated in other areas. Their success at utilizing the resources at their disposal to improve
student achievement gives us hope that our other rural communities can too.
The priorities that follow are based both on research and the voices from our rural communities
about what they need to ensure their students and communities can meet the demands of a
changing world. They highlight not only what must happen inside the classroom and the school
house, but also what needs to happen in the community.
Highlighting the Connection Between Education and Economic Development
The connection between a quality education and a vibrant, sustainable economy has never been clearer,
particularly in many of our rural communities. Unfortunately, in the communities that could benefit the most,
there is often a lack of awareness about the crucial connection between educational attainment and attracting
new jobs.
Business and Community Leaders
• Continue to stress the individual and community importance of obtaining a high school diploma and pursuing
postsecondary training and education by highlighting sectors that will face job shortages because of a lack of
qualified applicants
• Collaborate with K-12 as well as the postsecondary community to align workforce needs and student interests and
abilities with dual enrollment opportunities, career and technical training, and other advanced course offerings
• Forge public-private partnerships around college access, including raising money for last dollar scholarships
for 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities
State Policymakers and Local Elected Officials
• Take a leadership role in stressing the connection between education and jobs
• Make investing in public education the top priority to improve local economic development
• Ensure education policy is aligned with workforce needs and economic goals
Educators and Parents
• Set the expectation that all students graduate high school and go on to postsecondary education or a career