A number of films this year are shining a light on the shortcomings of the dysfunctional and often-criticized school systems in the U.S.
Here’s a rundown of the documentaries all teachers, parents and students have to check out this year.
Waiting for Superman
Perhaps the most anticipated and talked about documentary on education for this year, this film is directed by Davis Guggenheim, who won an Oscar for “An Inconvenient Truth.” It follows a handful of kids through a school system that inhibits, rather than encourages, academic growth. And it opens Sept. 24.
You can make a pledge to see it at: WaitingforSuperman.com. In the meantime, check out the trailer below.
Race to Nowhere
This film (which started to get buzz in late 2009) is a close-up look at the pressures on today’s students. It offers an intimate view of lives packed with activities, leaving little room for down-time or family time.
Teached
Former Teach For America member Kelly Amis directs this film that tackles teacher tenure, bureaucracy and “anti-child work rules that permeate every school in America,” and that’ s just in the first 15 minutes.
The Cartel
Directed by former TV news anchor Bob Bowdon, The Cartel takes on the “unconscionable failure” of New Jersey’s public schools. Bowdon makes the case that New Jersey offers a dramatic instance of corruption and improvidence in America’s schools.
Official Website
The Lottery
Using elements seen in the Waiting for Superman documentary, this film takes an intimate look at four families trying to get their children into an oversubscribed Harlem charter school.
SnagLearning is dedicated to presenting high-quality documentary films as educational tools to ignite meaningful discussion within the learning community.
