Description
Book SynopsisAn Appalachian School in Coal Country examines the struggles and triumphs of an elementary school in one of the poorest counties in the United States. Despite economic crisis in the county, Creekside Elementary School is achieving unprecedented academic success. This study explores the objectives, goals, and challenges of the educators of Creekside Elementary and the ways in which they are able to serve the needs of their students and community. Creekside is a microcosm of the changes occurring in the Appalachian region itself, and this book examines how one elementary school is able to succeed despite all odds and how others like it can achieve similar results as well.
Trade ReviewDuring a time of significant mischaracterization of the rural communities of Appalachia, this book serves as an authentic testament to the resolve and courage of the people of McDowell County, West Virginia. As an ethnographic work, Huffman makes ample space for stories of tribulation and triumph for those seeking educational excellence in times of social and economic distress. This text is an unflinching look at the true heart of a misunderstood community. -- Ronald Ferguson, Ridgewater College
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Introduction PART I: THE ETHNOGRAPHY Chapter 1: “An unparalleled place in our cultural imagination”—An Introduction to Appalachia Chapter 2: “Lonesome beauty”—McDowell County, West Virginia Chapter 3: “That mountain, it divides the county”—McDowell County School System and Creekside Elementary School PART II: THE NARRATIVES Chapter 4: “They were almost always poor”—Identifying the Challenges Chapter 5: “Hold on to the promise and goodness of a child”—Responding to the Challenges Chapter 6: “We have to empower them with an education”—Visions of the Future References About the Author
