“Waiting For Superman”
Starring: GEOFFREY CANADA (Founder and Operator of Harlem Children’s Zone) AND MICHELLE RHEE (former Chancellor of the Washington DC Public School System)
In the documentary “Waiting For Superman,” a look at the educational system in the United States. The film clearly showed a breakdown in our school systems, as well as the struggle parents go through in advocating for their children to give them the best education possible, and finally it shows the emotional side to the educational system when good public schools have to hold a lottery, to determine what students get placed in empty slots. The Administration, The Teachers and The Families, are all affected by the lottery. As an Administrator they didn’t want to turn students away. They wanted to figure out a way to make all public schools great. And as a Teacher, they looked forward to making a difference in children’s lives. As a Parent, they advocated for their children, showing that no challenge was too great, no distance was too far, and no lottery would be the sole determination of their child/children’s education.
There was a child by the name of Anthony, he was from Washington, DC. At the time of the film he was in the 5th grade, attending Kimball Elementary School. He was supposed to be in 6th the grade, but he was kept back in the second grade due to the passing of his father, who died from a drug overdose. Anthony’s grandmother Gloria was Anthony’s sole provider. Her son was Anthony’s father.
Gloria admitted in the film, that she made many mistakes as a parent. She did not always make wise decisions when parenting her own children. So her decision to take on the responsibility to be Anthony’s caregiver, when her son passed away, resulted in her making a mends for her decisions as a parent. Gloria, felt strong about her decision, she stated, “she wouldn’t have it any other way.” She also mentioned that she would do anything for him, she was afraid that he was easily influenced by others, and she wouldn’t know what to do if Anthony wasn’t in her life.
Throughout the film, she showed her passion for her grandson, time and time again. Anthony was presented with an opportunity of a lifetime to attend a SEED School (4300 C Street Southeast Washington, DC 20019-4100, (202) 248-7773). A great boarding school, in a dorm like setting, located. His opportunity was so great, that it would change his life forever, by given him a chance at a better education. An education that would take Anthony away from Gloria. She admitted they were good for each other, and was torn between him going away to the school vs Anthony staying with her.
Anthony was placed in the lottery at the SEED School. The lottery had 61 applicants, but only 24 available spaces. He was number 3on the lottery list of 61. During the lottery on 24 numbers would be called. He did not get accepted in the original lottery, and was number 5 on waiting list. If there were any changes for other families circumstance, if anyone moved, or for any other reason a student couldn’t take their place at the school. The school would go down the list, to the next person. By the end of the film Anthony’s number was called and he received a phone call telling him that he was accepted. Although Gloria was torn, she did let Anthony attend the SEED School…
Reference
Guggenheim, D., & Kimball, B. (2010). Waiting for Superman. (Paramount Pictures, Film, 2010 release).
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