Waiting for Superman

Good Morning Superheroes!
Everyone needs to go see Waiting for Superman, the documentary film that chronicles the problems of our failing educational system.  It follows the lives of 5 students across the country to show how difficult is it to even have a chance at a quality education within the public school system.  It is wrenching to see kindergarteners vying for the limited spaces through a lottery system.  When all of the slots are filled and a young girl hasn't heard her name announced she is confused -when are they going to call her name?  Heartbreaking....it shouldn't be this difficult to get a good education in this wonderful country of ours.

Speaking of lottery system....I know it may be the fairest way to choose who is accepted and who is not, but to the organizers of these school lotteries:  Please do not make them the carnival type celebrations that appeared in the movie.  It is a joyous moment for those who are lucky enough to have their name or number called but the majority of children are denied a spot leaving them rejected and disappointed.  Leave the children at home and only allow the parent to attend so that they may be the ones to deliver the happy or not so happy message to their children in private and in their own way.  It is cruel to build up expectations when it is only luck that determines who gets in and who does not.

This is a call to action for everyone who wants our country to remain the leader in this global economy.  Even if you do not have children in the education system, your future, all of our futures will depend on the quality of graduates - high school, college and beyond - our country produces.  We need critical thinkers, innovators, inventors, technicians, artists, musicians - educated minds that have been the key to our successes.

OK enough soapbox....go see the movie and then become Superman.  You can make a difference.  Education needs you.  Until there is overwhelming public will, the system will not change.  The change starts with you!