Waiting for "Superman"

I could be the last one of us to hear about the movie Waiting for "Superman" but in the off chance one of you missed it I'm devoting my weekly post to it. Saturday evening Scott and I sat down to watch this movie having little idea of what we were about to learn.

The documentary, Waiting for "Superman," concentrates on four kids who live in difficult situations or areas and one who lives in a good area but struggles in school and hopes to attend college. All of these children have a passion for education and realize (or their guardians realize) the importance of removing themselves from the public school system in their area. The statistics for success in their areas (Harlem, LA, etc.) are staggering. All of the kids represented are applying to successful Charter Schools or an Academy and in the end only two of the five are accepted. You can't help but think the other three, even with an unusual excitement for learning, have nothing but an uphill battle ahead of them. It truly was heartbreaking to watch.

Focus is on the failing public school system and the success of these privately run (and often publicly funded) schools. The most eye opening and infuriating portion of the film was the power of the teacher unions (although, in some online reviews arguments were made indicating that the film was misleading when it came to the unions). According to the film, most teachers are awarded tenure after a couple of years of teaching and because of tenure no matter how poorly they performed as teachers they still had a job.

This movie felt very off when it came to our school system here in Utah. I realize that though some may fail, the majority succeed. Krista said she's be in the meetings where all of this has been discussed and we truly are in our own little bubble. Thankfully.

Also, the film didn't directly mention anything about the family influence, we all know the importance.  For some, there isn't a family who cares or their caring family have to put immediate needs first.

Next weekend when you are looking for something to do, this documentary is worth watching. We rented it on Comcast, but it's been out since last fall so I'm sure you can find it on DVD somewhere close?! For more information go here.