A fifth grade teacher in a rural Kentucky school discusses three years of classroom experiences applying the Foxfire approach, focuses on the democratic decision-making process and the importance of student self-esteem, describes student-project problems and successes, and lists student accomplishments. (SV)

Describes the beginnings of the Foxfire instructional approach; its spread in eastern Kentucky, supported by the Eastern Kentucky Teachers Network; and its special relevance for rural and Appalachian children. Includes comments by teachers and students about their educational experiences and class projects. (SV)

Traces the development of the Eastern Kentucky Teachers Network (EKTN)--an organization providing formal training and peer support to teachers using the Foxfire instructional approach in their classrooms. Describes the structure and staff of EKTN; training workshops; and informational, emotional, and financial support provided to teachers. (SV)

The Appalshop School Initiative is a joint research project between eastern Kentucky teachers using the Foxfire instructional approach and a media arts and education center. Teachers use Appalshop's documentaries about central Appalachia as part of an educational strategy to challenge students to interpret their own environment, culture, and…