Family Movie Night
I read that article in the Daily Journal about Mr. Palin leaving our school district and going to Grant Park to be their superintendent.
Honestly, I almost broke down crying when I saw it. I feel as if Mr. Palin has done so well by our kids and it will be a shame to see him go.
On the other hand, I understand his reasoning for moving on to Grant Park and being there as his own kids go through their school life. I really do as I have tried to have jobs that allowed me to be home more than away.
Which is not to say that I want to be understanding. Or losing Mr. Palin is, in no way shape or form, easy. It is there and we have to deal. That’s life sometimes. That is what happens in schools. Changes happen and we as parents have to deal with those changes.
Waiting For Superman movie poster; Picture from IMDb.com.
I was thinking about this issue this week because Waiting For Superman is coming out on DVD.
This documentary was directed by David Guggenheim who also directed An Inconvenient Truth. What this movie does is to explore what is working and not working in American school systems.
There have been many criticisms about this movie – such as that Guggenheim is going after bad teachers and the unions that protect them. That Guggenheim does not address the class size issue or parental involvement. It is noted that in this movie, parents are requesting conferences which does not happen in real life.
On the other hand, it is necessary to have this discussion. We are told in study after study that American school children are falling behind other developed countries. No Child Left Behind was supposed to help but I am not sure if it ever did. Did any school ever get taken over by the feds after years on the watch list? What have we done for the last few years beyond teach our kids to have the knowledge to take tests? Was there a worth beyond those tests.
Perhaps what I expect when I will see this movie is to have some questions, to wonder and think. I hope to see where some solutions may come in, to make things better. Not all teachers are phoning it in; not all parents care about their kid’s school work. But that doesn’t mean we give up. It means we find a way to teach our kids better. So let’s open the floor for discussion.
I am starting by watching this documentary and see where it takes me.
Until next week, see you in the rental aisle.
Let the world know about your latest pick for Family Movie Night and leave a favorite pick below. You never know, I might use it in the future.
Notes from Rumbly Cottage 
I recall your very kind comments on my WordPress poetry site. I am now also on Facebook to share my new poetry with my friends and followers. Additionally to share their passions and interact with them. You can find me by typing my name “John J. Rigo” in the Facebook search bar. Hope to see you there!
I will try.
Great post. My kindergartner goes to a progressive school that actually requires periodic parental involvement. That way, the teachers have extra hands in the classroom, and the kids who are falling behind get extra attention. It makes all the difference, and the end result is a classroom built on community and positive reinforcement.
I wrote about this partially because our high school was on the watch list for years. Nothing ever happened. The school has gotten better in the last few years since the last super left but now we are losing our latest super which really sucks. I have been told he is looking for someone as good as him for a replacement. I hope that can be done.
I have not seen this film but from your description I am curious and also a little upset. Up here (WI) state employees (this includes teachers) are getting attacked by our governor who thinks salary, benefits and collective bargaining should go away. Teachers are getting painted as employees with cushy jobs who get everything handed to them and are failing their students because they are (oh no!) leaving the classroom and protesting. Sure, not all teachers are created equal, some phone it in, but the ones I know are damn dedicated, are involved in the classroom and take on extracurricular duties. They buy supplies for their classrooms out of their own pockets. My husband, who retired a year and a half ago, got good benefits (thank you, Wisconsin) but didn’t even get a cost of living raise for the last 4 years. Oops! sorry. Must get off soapbox now. DVD waiting to be watched here is early Dick Cavett shows featuring guests like Katherine Hepburn and Alfred Hitchcock. Jeanne
I have been listening to the news about the goings on in your state. Some of your legislators came to my state to avoid the vote. Being a teacher is a such a cushy job, especially when parents who don’t give a shit come in to complain about their kid’s grade, the one dependant on homework being turned in. Oh, and the kid couldn’t be bothered with homework. I hope sense returns to your state soon.
Education in America. It’s not what it used to be, is it?
I miss my homeschooling days…but now, my kids are so used to regular school they wouldn’t know what to do back home with me.
It’s not the school’s responsibility (as far as I believe most hold them accountable)–it’s really a family issue…
you know?
I mean, yes…the school needs to function as a good delivery system…but personal and family responsibility MUST be taught at home.
blessings
jane
Hear, hear! Parents must, must teach that responsibility. And I speak as a parent who has had two sons who think homework does not need to be turned in. Thank God, my daughter is different.
I want to see that movie. Tell me what you think.
Our public school system can be a scary, scary place. I think the aspect of parental involvement has a LOT to do with it though. I went to what was deemed “Nashville’s Worst” metro-public school. Had my parents not kept me focused, I don’t think I would have been as successful in such a harsh environment. Please share when you watch. I’d love to hear what you think about the documentary!
I am hoping to see it this coming week. The husband is not interested, he rented Red for our movie this weekend. So I have to get it later.
I hadn’t heard of this documentary, but saw it here on your blog and went to rent it over the weekend. The video store had at least fifteen copies and they were all out, which I found encouraging. Will try to see it this week. I have a lot of problems with our high school curriculum, as well as many of the people who teach it. The best students will always do well, but for the rest, I fear there’s very little learning taking place.
That is my fear as well. Will teachers give up on my 8th grader because he doesn’t always turn in the homework we make him sit down and work on every day?