Film Probes Educational Choice

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Film Probes Educational Choice

Special Report - October 12, 2010
Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina (PEFNC) is hosting free admission screenings this month of the groundbreaking documentary film, Waiting for “Superman,” at select theater locations throughout the state. The first screening of the film, which education reformers believe will help change minds about the need for educational choice in America, will be held tonight, October 12, in Durham (see list of theaters and dates below). The film, which is co-written and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker, Davis Guggenheim, is described as a “deeply personal exploration of the current state of public education in the United States and how it is affecting our children.” It follows the stories of five children and their parents, who are desperate to find alternatives to traditional public schools in their communities.

According to PEFNC, the film addresses “uncomfortable truths” about the state of public education in America, similar to the following truths about North Carolina:

Only 57.8 percent of North Carolina students entering high school in the 9th grade graduate 4 years later.
Almost 300 students in North Carolina drop out every day.
Approximately 60 percent of North Carolina high school graduates enrolled at community colleges require remedial coursework.

PEFNC is inviting parents, educators, business owners and community leaders to attend free screenings of the film, and to join them in a discussion afterwards. “This film and our discussion will resonate with parents who have seen how the politics of adults can take precedence over the education of children,” said Darrell Allison, PEFNC president, in a press release. “Please join us in our effort to unite communities for productive and open dialogue about educational reform.”

The following dates and locations have been scheduled for the film screenings:

Tuesday, October 12 at 5:30 PM at Southpoint Cinemas in Durham.
Thursday, October 14, at 5:30 PM at Regal North Hills Stadium 14 in Raleigh
Tuesday, October 19 at 5:30 PM at Southpoint Cinemas in Durham
Thursday, October 21, at 6:30 PM at Regal Cinemas Manor Twin in Charlotte

Tickets for the advance screenings of the film can be reserved online or by calling 1-888-977-3362.

PEFNC movie info/registration: http://www.pefnc.org/waitingforsuperman

Movie main site/trailer: http://www.waitingforsuperman.com/trailer

Related article:
Condition Of Education Report Released - June 2, 2010
Charter School Checkmate - FNC - Summer 2010
Groups Say Lift Charter School Cap - January 22, 2010