This study will focus on the Rural Systemic Initiatives Program to compile current understandings and identify new issues, resource and strategies of importance to those currently working in rural settings. This exploratory research will involve: 1)an investigation and analysis of the content and use of large-scale databases; 2)interviews with educators, researchers, and reformers working to improve science education in rural settings; and 3)a meeting of key stakeholders to focus on sharing understandings about districts' access to and engagement in the rural reform and successful strategies for data collection and analysis.
