Of course, a favor never goes unpaid. In many cases, the education of children takes a back seat to nepotism and political control. Another factor in Appalachia's educational deficiency is people's dependency on Welfare. Generation after generation of Appalachian children grow up believing this is the way to live. Their grandfathers have lived this way, their fathers have lived this way, so they are going to live this way.
School becomes a place to send the kids during the day.
Welfare pays more if the children are going to school. More times than not, these children receive free meals at school, thus saving the parents the trouble and expense of caring for them. In many cases, school simply becomes a free day-care center for children. Many states are implementing education reform. KERA, in Kentucky, has done a remarkable job of shutting down the political machines and making school systems accountable for what the students are learning.