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The primary purpose of this study was to address the dearth of research in the area of educating students with disabilities through distance education (DE). Corollary research questions investigated perceptions, beliefs, and expectations of secondary school principals and special education teachers. Data were analyzed to determine the existence of statistically significant differences in efficacy of secondary school principals and special education teachers related to location and size of the school site. The following research questions were addressed: (1) What is the level of participation of secondary students with disabilities in distance education courses?; (2) What is the representation of secondary students with disabilities participating in distance education courses compared with the total population of students with disabilities measured as a percentage of Oklahoma secondary students?; (3) What are the perceptions, beliefs and expectations of secondary school principals related to students with disabilities participating in distance education courses?; (4) What are the perceptions, beliefs, and expectations of special education teachers related to students with disabilities participating in distanced education courses?; (5) Is there a statistically significant difference in efficacy perception of secondary school principals related to students with disabilities participating in distance education courses according to demographics? (a) Secondary schools identified as urban, suburban or rural. (b) Secondary school enrollments categorized as large, medium, or small; and (6) Is there a statistically significant difference in efficacy perception of special education teachers related to students with disabilities participating in distance education courses according to demographics? (a) Secondary schools identified as urban, suburban or rural. (b) Secondary school enrollments categorized as large, medium, or small. (Contains 7 tables.)

Examines how the micro business sector of Oklahoma supports economic growth and how the expansion of that segment can be supported in its growth. Details of what micro businesses provide in terms of profits, jobs, and the ability to draw new dollars into a local economy; Importance of the success of the micro business to a local community's development and progress; Evaluation of the support needs of the micro business owner during start-up and on-going operation; Analysis of what agencies these micro business owners have turned to for help.

As communities focus on economic development, the common response has been the recruitment of outside industry. Left out has been the support for existing micro businesses and entrepreneurs. The research reported here explored the contributions of these smallest of the small business within the economy. For the study, 1,224 Oklahoma households were included. The research found that more than one in every five households owned and operated such a business. These businesses generated substantial gross income and employed at least one other person. These findings support including micro businesses in a comprehensive economic development plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines how technology, particularly personal computers and the Internet is used in Oklahoma micro businesses. Business opportunities being offered by information and communication technology; Ways to increase the adoption and use of technology in micro businesses; Role of the Cooperative Extension Service in promoting technology adoption.

Focuses on how Cooperative Extension Service educators are using the ORIGINS Web site to assist Oklahoma communities in their efforts toward economic development. Background of ORIGINS; Data series available on ORIGINS electronic database; Features of the ORIGINS Web training workshop being offered by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.

The article presents Rural Enterprises Incorporated (REI) of Oklahoma and its role in small and medium-size enterprise partnerships. The incorporation of REI as a private, nonprofit industrial development corporation in 1984, is traced. Addressed needs for technological innovations in manufacturing and new product establishment were the organizational directives in the early years of REI.