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NEA Issue Explainer

Rural Schools

Schools in rural areas need reliable funding to provide students with the support, classes, activities, and technology that will ensure a well-rounded education.
farmer and students National School to Farm Network
A farmer with students.
By: National Education Association
Published: December 2, 2021
This issue explainer originally appeared on NEA.org

Nearly 10 million students attend a rural school, but students and educators in these schools face many unique challenges.

While federal laws such as the Secure Rural Schools program and the Rural Education Achievement Program provide critical support for many of the more than 7,700 rural school districts, these programs must be improved. 

Policy makers should do more to ensure that all students in rural communities realize their basic right to a great public education. 

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We need to build our communities. We need to fully fund public schools. We need to hold our elected leaders accountable to the people. And we need your help to make it happen.
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