Will "Waiting for Superman" Save the Schools?
Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at 12:40AM | Becks Davis 
Gov. Granholm sitting just down the row from me at "Waiting for Superman."I was invited by the United Way for Southeastern Michigan to attend the movie “Waiting for Superman” on Monday night in Royal Oak. The movie, directed by Davis Guggenheim, is about “the current state of public education in the U.S. and how it is affecting our children.”
Yes, I put that last sentence in quotes because it comes directly from their website, it’s how they are marketing the movie, it’s their wording.
“Waiting for Superman” portends that a superhero is not going to swoop down and save our children and our educational system. The movie champions charter schools and the great thinkers of educational reform that run them.
I am not a parent. I am not an educator. And, I’m not a big thinker. I’m just one person who loves Detroit. It doesn’t take a big thinker to know that the Detroit Public School system is failing the community.
However, proclaiming charter schools as the answer is like putting a band-aid on a gushing wound. It’ll stop a few trickles of blood but it’s not going to stop the bleed. I have nothing against charter schools and the ones shown in the movie are amazing but we can’t turn our back on our public schools.
The movie is very well done; it’ll move you to tears and make you angry. You feel for the parents who just want a better life for their children. The children, Daisy, Francisco, Bianca, Emily, and Anthony will make your heart melt and your fists pump. The last chance for these children is a lottery, a one in a million shot, for a better education.
I took my cousin, a first grade teacher in a suburban school district, to see the movie with me to get a teachers perspective. One of the first things she said was, “the kids in the movie, they’re the lucky ones.” And she’s right, the children in the movie have a support system at home; their family wants better for them, so many kids don’t have that.
My cousin is a good teacher, I know this, but as the movie states not all teachers are good. She tells me that at the end of each school year her students are six months to a year ahead of their reading levels. The sad part is that at the end of the following year they remain at those same levels, no improvement, nothing gained.
So, it’s not just the DPS or inner city schools, public school systems everywhere have problems.
The band-aid will help a few students who are lucky enough to win the lottery but it won’t help the community as a whole. Matt Eder from michigandads.com, says in his post about driving through Detroit, “I could not relocate to current-day Detroit for two main reasons, safety and schools.” People won’t move into a city, any city, with failing public schools.
The gushing wound that is our public school system needs to be addressed and fixed.
What do we do? What are the answers? How do we stop the bleed?
I don’t know.
The United Way for Southeastern Michigan got involved because they want to jump-start the conversation. Teachers fighting against administrators fighting against unions fighting against politics is getting us nowhere.
Get involved in the conversation. Or, do your own thing to make a difference. Just do something!
"Waiting for Superman" opens at the Main Art Theatre in Royal Oak on Friday.
Have you seen "Waiting for Superman"? What did you think? Do you know how we can improve our public school system? Share it with us!
Reader Comments (26)
Well written, Becks. I see far too many people just falling into this charter stuff. For every successful charter school, I'll show you one failing it's students just as hard or worse than public school. Check out the stats on how many charters are actually closing down. Just google 'charter school closing' and a ton of stories come up.
Thanks Toka. I hope that the movie inspires people to make a positive change in their community.
One important point that shouldn't be overlooked, is that the hands of the public schools are tied. The comparison between public and charter schools is important b/c charter schools are trying new methods and approaches that are being proven successful. I feel the suggestion is what public schools are currently doing isn't working; and so their approach to teaching, to education needs to be radically changed. Unfortunately bc of union regulations there is very little wiggle room - even the most dedicated teacher can't make a difference beyond the year they have with their students - not unlike your cousin's situation. The suggestion isn't a charter school band-aid it's turning America's approach to education - the approach that hasn't changed over the last 60 years - on it's head. I think Waiting for Superman is more of a criticism (or attack) on the union, than on public school. It celebrates charters, not simply bc they are better, but bc they have the freedom to try something that works.
123321
The children is a lottery, a one in a million shot, for a better education., Daisy, Francisco, Bianca, Emily, and Anthony will make your heart melt and your fists pump. The last chance for these
Do you think online academic services are helpful? You can visit our site named Qualified writers. Our team is really supportive of the beginners who are struggling with their assignments. Let's avail of our case study assignment help in UAE at a reasonable cost.
Thanks for providing such interesting content. I always love to read such articles when I was bored. Because reading increases your knowledge the most, and It will polish your skills as well.
I really like your article thanks for sharing it with me, if you are a book lover than i suggest you to read is Untold Stories Of Patel you really like this book and enjoy to read it.
Thanks for sharing this information
Thanks for sharing this information, If you are interested to learn SEO or want search engine updates please visit SEO Newsletters for more details
Also Check How to get a cheap domain name? Thanks again
Thanks for sharing this informative knowledge. Medical Lien Management is a company with big dream of success, We provide Best Medical Billing Services, Revenue Cycle Management Services, and Virtual staffing services, more detail visit Medical Lien Management.
seo agency in lahore
Get the “Real SEO Results” that other companies only promise you but can’t achieve with Top SEO agency services in, Lahore Pakistan
Power Sex – All-Natural Alternative to getting Long-lasting ERECTIONS.
POWER SEX is an all-natural enhancer that will help you increase your energy and performance while maintaining stamina in the bedroom.
powersex
visit here
Very informative and helpful! Stay warm and look great with this cozy jacket.
I recently had the opportunity to work with a top mobile app development company and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with their level of expertise and dedication to delivering quality results
I am always on the lookout for books that celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity. That why I was thrilled to discover the amazing collection of children's books by black authors. These books not only entertain and educate young readers, but they also provide a powerful representation of the black experience, allowing children to see themselves reflected in the pages.
found myself in need of a traffic records and I was fortunate enough to come across one who truly exceeded my expectations. Not only was the attorney knowledgeable and experienced, but they were also compassionate and understanding of my situation.
Whether you're looking for traditional Pakistani handicrafts, fresh flowers, or delectable sweets, there are plenty of shops and online stores that offer a wide range of gifts. With the advancement of technology and the availability of reliable shipping services, send gifts to Karachi has never been easier.
Bomber jacket have become a staple in fashion, offering both style and function. With their roots in military aviation, bomber jackets are characterized by their ribbed cuffs and waistband, as well as their sturdy, yet lightweight, construction.