So want to grab some popcorn and watch a few films on
education reform? Here’s a roundup of some
of our favorites:
The
Cartel (2009)—
“How has the richest and most
innovative society on earth suddenly low the ability to teach its children at a
level that other modern countries consider “basic”?”
Directed by Bob Bowden, a former
producer, reporter, and news anchor, this film looks at how education reform,
not education spending, can change our education system. Looking at New Jersey, which in 2005 spent as
high as $483,000 per classroom, the film looks at the cause of our
underachievement and what can be done to ensure our children achieve, including
charter schools and vouchers.
The
Lottery (2010) —
“You could win an education”
A documentary that focuses on the
lottery system—a system developed by charter schools that have more families
that want to attend than spots available.
This film follows four families whose futures depend on this lottery
system to escape the public school system.
The
Experiment (2011)—
Ben Lemoine’s documentary focuses on New Orleans that was rocked by Hurricane Katrina, but opened a door to create educational opportunity out of a natural disaster. Looking at the Recovery School District, this film follows five children as they navigate through a city with charter schools and a voucher program for students from low-income families attending failing schools.
