Debunking 3 Common Rural Education Myths That Are Limiting Student Success

There’s been quite a lot of talk about what would happen if the Department of Education were to be eliminated, a promise made during Donald Trump’s campaign. But what often gets overlooked is how this could affect rural schools, which rely more on federal funding than urban schools do.

Rural education tends to be neglected in discussions about education reform. Policymakers usually focus on urban and suburban areas, even though 20% of students in the U.S. attend rural schools. This lack of attention has led to many myths about rural education, usually ignoring the strengths and opportunities available to students in these areas.

As experts in rural education, we want to highlight a few important facts alongside common myths that could help shape better policies for rural students.

First, there’s a common myth that rural communities are mostly white. This might have been true in the past, but things are changing. According to U.S. Census data, the percentage of people of color in rural areas increased from 20% in 2010 to 24% in 2020. In fact, in 10% of rural counties, people of color represent the majority.

While many white residents have left these communities, a significant number of people of color have moved in. Between 2010 and 2020, about 2 million white people departed rural areas, but over 2 million people of color moved in. The number of individuals identifying as multiracial in rural areas also doubled, with increases in Latino populations across nearly all regions except Arizona.

It’s essential for educators and policymakers to understand the demographics of rural communities to meet students’ needs effectively. Ignoring this diversity can widen the gaps in opportunities for rural students, especially in the South.

Another myth is that rural communities lack knowledge and resources for effective education. As a result, many education policies overlook the unique cultural capital found in these areas. Cultural capital includes the knowledge, skills, and advantages that help individuals succeed. Unfortunately, rural experiences often go unrecognized in textbooks and curricula, which results in students not seeing themselves reflected in their education.

Funding policies also frequently disadvantage rural schools due to their smaller sizes. Instead of receiving additional support, rural schools often face consequences like school closures, which harm community cohesion and reduce local economic opportunities.

Community initiatives can provide valuable resources, yet these are often overlooked. For instance, a new grant initiative at Michigan State University focuses on helping rural high school students engage more deeply in science. It collaborates with historically Black colleges and universities in the rural South to ensure that local cultural knowledge is part of the science curriculum. This program aims to strengthen community partnerships and enhance access to advanced science courses.

Lastly, there’s the myth that rural students don’t perform well academically. On the contrary, rural students often achieve similar results as their urban counterparts, especially in early education. In fact, math and reading scores in rural areas tend to be higher before the third grade. However, many rural students miss out on summer learning opportunities, leading to lower scores as they progress through school.

Despite these challenges, rural students have higher graduation rates than their urban peers. Yet, they face barriers when it comes to attending college. Issues like limited transportation, distance from educational institutions, and lack of awareness about financial aid contribute to lower college enrollment rates among rural students.

By addressing these myths and valuing the strengths of rural communities, we can create better educational opportunities for all students, regardless of where they live.