New documentary gets people talking about education
Since its wide release at the beginning of October, the documentary Waiting for "Superman" has received plenty of press, which can partly be attributed to director Davis Guggenheim, whose previous work includes the Academy Award winning An Inconvenient Truth. Focusing on the decline of the American public education system, Waiting for "Superman" follows five elementary school students trying to get a better education by winning lottery spots at high performing public charter schools.
There have been numerous reviews and reactions from critics, publications, bloggers, educators as well as a large discussion among the public. The popularity of the filmmaker, Guggenheim, has definitely helped get the film recognition. But more so, the film discusses a touchy subject almost guaranteed to get a reaction: education reform. So it's no surprise that these reviews are both positive and negative, either panning or praising certain aspects of the film.
Some professors and research studies have claimed that the film is an inaccurate portrayal and oversimplifies the problem with the American education system. Others have applauded the documentary's realistic view on some major issues that need to be addressed. Either way, Waiting for "Superman" is getting a lot of attention, and that's the important thing. Because when was the last time a movie without an A-list celebrity, let alone a documentary that focused on education, was in the limelight? And no, Dangerous Minds does not count.
Everyone is talking about America's report card
Whether Americans are aware of it or not, math, science and reading scores have flatlined for decades (see What's wrong with science and math education in America?), meaning our impressive scores of the 1960s are the same as the unimpressive scores of today. It's startling to learn that America isn't even ranked in the top 10 countries in the world for education.
Therefore, regardless of personal opinion, Waiting for "Superman" should be celebrated because it's putting public education on the minds of Americans. The documentary has kick started a conversation about fixing the problem of our ailing education system.
But, personal opinions have people talking about Waiting for "Superman" because of the provocative subject matter. The film does not put teacher unions in a favorable light and almost vilifies their existence. It paints an ugly picture of public schools, while also making a case that some public school teachers are incompetent. On the other hand, the documentary makes it seem that the best solution to the education problem in America is charter schools. With a controversial subject as education reform and some points that could be interpreted as scathing or insulting, it's obvious why people are talking about Waiting for "Superman".
A simple search of the documentary's title on Twitter® produces thousands of results, including people talking about seeing the movie to their feelings about education reform. Search Waiting for "Superman" in Google News™ and you'll find hundreds of articles discussing the film's impact as well as possible paths to education reform. Take to Waiting for "Superman's" official Facebook™ page, where more than 70,000 people have "liked" the page and are actively engaged in a conversation about public education.
Anyone concerned about the future of the United States will be thrilled to discover the general public communicating the need for change in the public education system. Just as An Inconvenient Truth sparked the "green movement," perhaps Waiting for "Superman" will create a similar movement with education. Many years from now, when American education is fixed, history will point back to this documentary as the fulcrum. Realistically, no easy solution exists. Public education is a tough issue that needs to be addressed, but it is possible. Anything is. After all, this is America.
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