*Teacher Education Programs; Teacher Qualifications

Directors of student teachers and administrators of field experience (n=240) assessed which of 26,suggested components of preservice/certification.programs for rural teaching were available and which should be available. Results indicated that 21 of the 208 institutions in 27 rural states prepared students specifically,,for..teaching in a rural environment. Fourteen of the suggested 26 components were currently available in over hale of the institutions surveyed. The four components available at most institutions were: coursework in developing curriculum; training for work with exceptional children; coursework in educational technology; and training for teaching physical education, music, art, and community recreation. Although preservice programs were generally considered nonessential by respondents, the need for spec,kal.preservice training for teaching in a rural environment was considered essential. Recommendations to implement preservice training programs for rura