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The two mini reviews and two fact sheets contained in this collection synthesize basic information regarding four issues in rural education: special education, transportation, early childhood education, and reading achievement. Solutions to the special education problems of child identification, parent involvement, delivery of special education services, teacher training, and outside assistance are noted in one mini review. Additionally, addresses, contact persons, service areas, and samples of available materials from each of 16 Regional Resource Centers are presented. The second mini review is concerned with utilizing home-based education to provide good early childhood programs to rural areas faced with geographic isolation and limited facilities and finances. Six successful early childhood programs focusing on very young children, pre-kindergarten children, and handicapped children are detailed. A fact sheet concerning rural transportation systems addresses the most common types of rural school transportation, their uses, driver preparation, ownership and management options, and the effects of extended travel time on students. A second fact sheet addresses the characteristically poor reading achievement in rural areas and details seven successful reading projects, including three which have incorporated an individualized approach to improve rural student reading achievement. (SB)

The mini reviews in this collection synthesize current information regarding three timely topics in outdoor education: utilizing adventure education as a treatment mode for juvenile delinquency; providing outdoor education for the handicapped; and developing outdoor education nature centers. In "Outdoor Adventure Education and Juvenile Delinquents", adventure education is fully described, including its origin in the Outward Bound movement, its application in rehabilitation, and its structural components. The multiple values and benfits of adventure education to the juvenile delinquent are noted along with its effectiveness in rehabilitation. Several information sources are indicated. "ERIC Information Resources on Outdoor Education and the Handicapped" includes a listing of ERIC documents, bibliographies, and directories pertaining to outdoor education and to the handicapped. Four sample outdoor education programs designed for the handicapped and included in the ERIC data base are summarized and guides for program development are listed. Two packages of learning activities and teaching materials are also described. Nature centers are defined in terms of site selection, facilities, and services in "Outdoor Education Nature Centers". The centers' benefits and values are noted. The establishment of a center (planning, construction, organization of space, publicizing) is explained. Some features of existing centers are highlighted. (SB)