Education is hitting the silver screen this weekend, as a new film, Waiting for Superman, opens up in local theaters.
The controversial new documentary looks at the state of public schools through the eyes of five students. As Waiting for Superman has been screened across the country, the film has been feted for putting the shortcomings of the public school system in the spotlight. Critics complain it oversimplifies the issues.
What do you think? I’ll be facilitating a discussion among parents at Clairemont High School about the film at 7 p.m. on Monday, thanks to the San Diego Council of PTAs. We won’t be screening the movie there, but since it opens tomorrow, you’ll have a chance to see it beforehand. The meeting will be a chance for parents to talk constructively about the film and how it applies to San Diego schools.
Want to get more perspectives? There’s also going to be a screening and a panel held by the regional Economic Development Corp. on Oct. 14 at the Landmark Theatre in Hillcrest, including High Tech High CEO Larry Rosenstock, school board President Richard Barrera, teachers union President Bill Freeman and Scott Himelstein, who organizes the group San Diegans 4 Great Schools.
Please contact Emily Alpert directly at emily.alpert@voiceofsandiego.org or 619.550.5665 and follow her on Twitter: twitter.com/emilyschoolsyou.