Motherly Advice {Racing and Waiting: Education Reform Movies}

Community Announcement

If you are a parent with kids in school or very close to entering the scholastic track, there's a film I think you should see. It's called Race to Nowhere, and the only way to see it is to find a special screening. No worries, there are many scheduled around the country. And if you can't find a screening nearby, you can try to get a screening scheduled by clicking here.

Twin Citians, you're in luck! Race To Nowhere is being shown on Mon., Feb. 28^th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Eden Prairie High School and Thurs., Feb. 17^th from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Minnesota Waldorf School. If you live elsewhere, don't dismay {at least not for that reason}, you can find a screening location near you by clicking here.

Race To Nowhere

Wait! I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me tell you about this film. According to the film's website, Race To Nowhere "is a call to mobilize families, educators, and policy makers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens."

You will hear the stories of students who are at the breaking point, exasperated educators and parents who want only the best for their children, but aren't sure what that is anymore. This film was produced and co-directed by Vicki Abeles, an attorney and mom of 3, who decided to tackle the often ignored subject of education in our country, and has now made waves throughout our country with her debut film, Race To Nowhere.

Tickets & Happy Hour

The tickets are free, but you must reserve tickets through Eventbrite. There will be time for town-hall style discussions after the movie, as well.

I will be attending the Eden Prairie High School screening. If you are in the area and would like to join me for a cup of coffee or glass of wine before the movie, please contact me and we'll whip up a Motherly Law Pre-Movie Happy Hour.

Race To Nowhere Trailer

   

 

Waiting for Superman

One last note, while we're on the subject of education and the need for reform, there's another film that promises to be as inspiring as it is heart-wrenching: Waiting for Superman. Waiting for Superman focuses specifically on the D.C. school district and will be available on DVD in the next few weeks. I've already reserved it in my Netflix queue.

The Scoop

Have you seen one or both of these films? If so, I would love to hear from you. Were these films inspiring? I'm workifew months. This is an issue that has been on my mind for a while. I'm working on an education reform series that I will be bringing you sometime in the next month or so.

Anna

You might also like:

The Changing Seasons: Types of Schools Available to American Children

Birds of a Feather: Tips for Choosing the Best School for Your Child

For the Love of Books: How and Why Books Get Challenged & Banned Part I

Comments

[Heidi]

This post is hitting home. I cried through that whole video. For some reason I am so emotional about this subject and have felt so much pressure since moving to Colorado. Pressure to start my kids early (or they will be behind), pressure to have them take spanish at the age of 4, pressure to check out every school within a 40 mile radius to find the "best" one. How did I get like this? Thanks for helping me take a step back.

[Kelly]

I wish I could go to the EP screening! As I've considered homeschooling M, the issues brought up in the trailer are some of the things I have thought about. I want him to learn deeply, not just learn enough to pass tests. I want him to love learning and know how to pursue the knowledge he wants and needs, not just sit passively and learn what he has to learn to pass the endless standardized tests public schools are forced to administer.
Sorry, getting off my soapbox now...

[Anna]

Heidi,

The video is inspiring and heartwrenching at the same time! I'm sorry you are feeling this pressure. You, as the parent, know your children best and will make the right decision for your children.
Did you check to see if there is a screening of Race to Nowhere nearby? Miss you!

Anna

[Anna]

Kelly, you make great points! Please, stay on your soapbox, this is the kind of information the education system of our country needs to hear. Everywhere I turn, I hear parents voicing the same concerns and contemplating homeschooling their children. I emailed you too.
Thanks for reading and thanks for the comment. Can you come to the Waldorf School screening on Feb 17th?

Anna

[Heidi]

Anna, there is lots of buzz in Colorado around this film. There is a group of moms going to the film in March at a local elementary school. Will be anxious to dish after I see it. Thanks for the info.