Waiting for Superman

There is a national epidemic. An epidemic that affects our communities, our cities, our states, our nation. The public school systems are failing, leaving its students in the wake of that failure. Only 26% of California's 8th graders are proficient in grade level math. The statistics for many other states, such as, D.C, Texas, Massachusetts, Florida are not so lucky. The United States ranks 26th in education in a study that measured 31 of the worlds most successful countries.

You drop your child off at your local public school every morning with the hopes that the hands that guide their eduction is the best it could possibly be. In most cases around our nation parents feel that their local public school is not what you envisioned for your family. If you can afford it, you skip public and go straight to private schools. But that is not an option for 87% of Americans.

I ventured to a theater with a couple retired teachers to watch "Waiting for Superman." When we got to the theater at 11:00 in the morning the theater was sold out. As the question marks popped over our heads we walked over to talk to the manager who told us that two theaters had been rented out the night before and we could get free admittance but might have to stand to watch the film. When we entered we saw a theater full of uniformed preteens. My teacher friends and I found seats on the very top row of the theater. This documentary is moving, sad, scary, inspiring, eye opening, and proves that all my notions about the public school system are validated. Then, a roaring cheer swept across the theater when KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) LA schools was highlighted in the film. We were sitting among the students of one of the schools that proves that low income, inner city kids do have the ability to succeed and beat all the gab about minorities inability to learn. Inspiring... tear dropping.

Following the movie, Davis Guggenhein, the "Waiting for Superman" director, came out to do a private question and answer session for the kids of KIPP LA. I got to be the fly on the wall. These kids are the hope that our students can succeed. In order to begin to change the system we need: 1) a sound pubic school infrastructure, 2) talented and motivated teachers, 3) the knowledge that every child has the ability to succeed.

Make a pledge on the "Waiting for Superman" site that you will go see this movie. As parents, educators, community leaders, workers, future heroes, we can't just sit around waiting for someone else to rescue our damaged school system, we can't just look to the sky and wait for Superman to save us all.

PS- Here are some inspirational ground shakers who I believe can and will change the future of our nations schools.

Geoffrey Canada- Interview about his project, Harlem Children's Zone

Michelle Rhee- Hallelujah! A true hero who isn't afraid to tell it how it is and stand up for what needs to be done. One voice, think of what more would do.
Rhee at a D.C. Education and Labor Committee meeting-watch the whole clip.


Dave Levin and Mike Feinberg- KIPP Academy Charter School Founders
They are for great teachers. Read and watch