In contemplating how certain barriers might pose challenges to educational access in Appalachia, I reference several research articles. One article, written by Patricia Kannapel & Michael Flory, reviews research on issues surrounding postsecondary transitions for youth in middle (North Central, Central, and South Central) Appalachia, a region that faces numerous challenges because of its geography, poverty, and economy. According to the authors, education issues in Appalachia revolve around a culture where K-12 schools are respected institutions, relationships are highly valued, and many residents want to remain in the region and contribute to its development. However, geographic isolation, poverty, and a depressed economy challenge the region’s educators in preparing students for adult life (Kannapel & Flory, 2017).

When speaking to Appalachia’s geography, it might be wise to consider how Kannapel and Flory define Appalachia. They maintain ‘Middle Appalachia’ as the Appalachian counties or independent cities—which comprise 371 school districts—in Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia (Kannapel & Flory, 2017). The authors also state the isolation created by Appalachia’s mountainous terrain has resulted in limited in-migration and a strong reliance on family and community support systems to survive (Kannapel & Flory, 2017). As evidenced in Table 2, there is also a distinction between North, Central, and South Central Appalachia.

In terms of the region’s economy, Middle Appalachia has historically fostered a reliance on coal and other extraction industries. However, the boom-or-bust nature of these industries, paired with limited alternative job opportunities, has kept income levels relatively low in Middle Appalachia (Kannapel & Flory, 2017). Furthermore, Kannapel and Flory raise discussions surrounding the knowledge of and support for secondary education. Several studies noted that many students in middle Appalachia lack familial role models, guidance, and the economic stability to pursue postsecondary education. (Ali & Saunders, 2006; Wilson & Gore, 2009).

Sources:

Kannapel, P. J., & Flory, M. A. (2017). Postsecondary Transitions for Youth in Appalachia’s Central Subregions: A Review of Education Research, 1995-2015. Journal of Research in Rural Education, 32(6), 1-17. Retrieved May 5, 2019.