Dear Kentucky Citizens,
We, the Appalachia Educator Alliance, write to you with a sense of urgency and commitment to share insights from our recent report, Shaping the Future of Education in Appalachia Kentucky: Insights and Action Report 2024. Our findings highlight the unique challenges and pressing needs that define the educational landscape in Kentucky’s Appalachian region. It is our collective responsibility to address these issues and ensure that every child in our state has access to quality education and a brighter future.
To be an educator, one must also be open to continual learning. Kentucky teachers are lifelong learners dedicated to understanding student needs, developing new ideas, and implementing innovative classroom practices. This often means accepting that what happens in the classroom reflects the life, culture, and beliefs of the surrounding district, community, and region.
In 2023, our team, supported by the Steele-Reese Foundation and The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, developed a survey for the 54 counties served by the Appalachia Regional Commission. The goal was to understand the opportunities and challenges educators in the region face. The results highlighted three key areas of concern: generational poverty, the drug epidemic, and the lack of resources and opportunities in the region.
While this initial survey provided valuable insights into the needs of teachers in the Appalachian region, the Appalachia Educator Alliance team was tasked by the Steele-Reese Foundation to delve deeper. In 2023, 93% of survey respondents agreed that the education system in Kentucky’s Appalachia has unique circumstances not always seen or understood in other regions of the state. In Spring 2024, our team asked the teachers in those same counties to further explain how the three key areas impact the region differently than they do in other parts of the state.
Generational Poverty: Generational poverty remains one of the most significant barriers to education in Appalachia, Kentucky according to almost82% of respondents. Defined as the persistence of poverty across multiple generations, it traps families in a cycle of economic hardship and limited opportunities. Over 30% of families in this region live below the federal poverty line, with many relying on government assistance. Children are born into poverty and often the expectation is that they remain part of the family unit. They are encouraged to “not get above their raisin’”—this phrase is often meant to encourage young people to stay humble and true to their roots; however, it can also be taken to mean don’t try to rise above your station in life. As educators, we witness firsthand the daily struggles of our students, who often lack basic necessities such as food, clothing, and stable housing. One middle school teacher shared, “The systems in place basically trap families in a cycle of poverty that is passed down through generations. Probably its biggest impact in my classroom relates to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. It’s really hard for kids to learn [at school]when their basic needs aren’t being met at home, if they don’t feel safe, or if their responsibilities to their families are seen as more important than school.”
Drug Epidemic: The drug epidemic continues to ravage many communities across Kentucky, with a profound impact on our students in Appalachia. Over 71% of teachers surveyed in Kentucky’s Appalachian region reported that their school lacks adequate systems to address the drug epidemic's impact on student learning, with 82% stating that drugs directly impact their classroom. While state school report cards show that only 14% of Kentucky's students were involved in a drug-related incident last school year, our survey reveals a deeper issue. The discrepancy arises because the report cards focus solely on student-related drug incidents, whereas our survey captured the broader impact of family and community drug use on education in the Appalachian region. One teacher emphasized, “A high average of students are being raised by grandparents, aunts, and uncles, or are in the foster care system due to their parents’ drug use or the death of a parent to drugs. Many parents are in jail and/or rehab. Students are tired from being up all night with parents who are high, fearing an overdose, or working to help pay the bills. A rising number of students are dealing with learning deficits due toothier parents’ drug use during pregnancy.” While drugs are an issue statewide, in Appalachia the issue is more prevalent due to the lack of jobs, opportunities, and resources. Drugs become both a source of income and a path to remaining in poverty.
Lack of Resources and Opportunities: Our schools in Appalachia, Kentucky, are often underfunded and lack essential resources. Many schools struggle to provide up-to-date textbooks, technology, and extracurricular activities. Inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and outdated facilities are common issues. A high school teacher noted, "Internet services are also not up to par to support what is necessary to be successful in a 21st-century classroom." These resource gaps significantly hinder our students' ability to compete on a level playing field with their peers from more affluent areas. Lack of training to deal with trauma due to drugs, poverty, and natural disasters like the recent historical flooding also impact teachers’ ability to address issues impacting learning in the classroom, according to almost 56% of respondents. Add the existence of various inequities and very little economic growth or job opportunities, education becomes more necessary than ever, but also the least important thing for families. “It’s hard to say you can be anything in the world - their world is so small,” stated a teacher in 2023. Teachers surveyed in 2024, further explained that students who lack worldview and experiences outside the region have little hope and few aspirations for a successful career or even steady employment.
Despite these challenges, our students can exhibit remarkable resilience and determination. To address these issues and foster a supportive educational environment, we recommend the following actions:
- Increased Funding: Allocate more state and federal funds to schools in Appalachia to ensure they have the necessary resources and personnel to support students.
- Advocacy: Develop actions or activities through collaboration between teachers and decision-makers, both within and outside the school/district, that lead to improvements and solutions.
- Enhanced Drug Prevention and Treatment: Invest in comprehensive drug prevention and treatment programs within our public schools to mitigate the impact of the drug epidemic on our communities.
- Professional Development: Offer ongoing professional development for teachers to equip them with the skills to address the unique challenges faced by their students.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Upgrade school facilities and provide modern technology as well as materials, supplies, curriculums, etc., that enhance the learning environment.
- Career Pathways and Exposure: Increase opportunities for students to explore various career paths and gain exposure to experiences beyond their immediate community.
Our report also highlights the importance of involving families and communities in the educational process. Building trust and relationships with families is crucial to changing the mindset around the value of education. Schools need to work collaboratively with families to create a supportive environment that prioritizes education and development of students.
In conclusion, the future of Kentucky is in the hands of our children. By addressing these critical issues, we can create an environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. We urge you, the citizens of Kentucky, to join us in advocating for these necessary changes. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a brighter future for our students.
Thank you for your attention and support.
Sincerely,
The Appalachia Educator Alliance, Teachers of Kentucky
Dr. Emmanuel Anama-Green, Luke Glaser, Brison Harvey, Tiffany Perkins, and Allison Slone
READ THE REPORT HERE
