Rural Life and the Rural School

In this measured survey of country living and the schools that serve it, the author draws on a lifetime of farm work and classroom leadership to address farmers, teachers, and community officials. He steers clear of lofty theory and dense manuals, seeking a middle path that links solid facts with practical wisdom. The introduction frames a nation newly aware of the hardships rural families and their children face, inviting readers to view these challenges as opportunities for improvement.

The book outlines the recent history of rural education, from early government commissions to the modern “back to the country” push, showing how attitudes and conditions have evolved. It probes key concerns such as teacher preparation, school funding, curriculum relevance, and the need for local leadership to create supportive learning environments. Throughout, the author urges a reassessment of values, calling for coordinated, purposeful action rather than laissez‑faire complacency, and offers a clear view of the problems that must be tackled first.