Waiting for Superman is a documentary film that explores the state of the American public education system and the impact it has on children and their families. The film argues that the public education system is failing students, particularly those from low-income and minority communities, and that it is in need of major reform.
One of the main arguments presented in the film is that the public education system is riddled with inequality. Many schools, particularly those in low-income neighborhoods, are underfunded and lack the resources to provide students with a quality education. This leads to a vicious cycle, where students from these schools are less likely to succeed academically and are more likely to drop out of high school.
The film also highlights the role of teacher unions in perpetuating this inequality. It argues that teacher tenure, which makes it difficult to fire underperforming teachers, protects mediocre teachers at the expense of students. This hinders the ability of schools to hire and retain high-quality teachers, which is essential for student success.
Another argument made in the film is that charter schools, which are publicly funded but independently run, offer a potential solution to the problems facing the public education system. Charter schools are often able to offer smaller class sizes, more personalized attention, and innovative teaching methods, which can lead to better academic outcomes for students.
However, the film also acknowledges that not all charter schools are successful, and that some may prioritize profit over student success. It therefore calls for greater accountability and transparency in the charter school system to ensure that students are receiving a quality education.
Overall, Waiting for Superman makes a compelling case for the need for reform in the American public education system. It highlights the inequities and challenges facing students, particularly those from low-income and minority communities, and advocates for solutions that prioritize student success. While the film acknowledges that there is no easy fix to these problems, it offers hope that meaningful change is possible and necessary for the future of American education.
Critical Review of the Documentary Film "Waiting for Superman": [Essay Example], 381 words GradesFixer
. Do we have good and bad schools? Looking at the public school systems, I have realized that there are four major flaws in the public school system are; family situations, poverty, technology, and last but not least the teachers. In brief, schools and bad teachers widen the disparities between students, and parents lack of choice to move their children out of failing schools. Guggenheim included many statistics in the film in the form of visual representations. Historically, children living in poverty are more likely to score lower on tests than those An Analysis Of Superman And Me By Sherman Alexie 933 Words 4 Pages Life is full of doors, some are open and some are closed. Other issues which are mentioned in the documentary and affect our country are teachers unions and tenure.
Persuasive Essay : ' Waiting For Superman '
There are teachers who use the contract that they signed into to take advantage of their role, and not do what they signed up to do. This documentary follows Anthony, Francisco, Bianca, Daisy, and Emily who are all from different families, in different areas, and shows what they must go through in hopes for a better education. At one time America was one of the top smartest countries in the world. The writer makes assertions that a high level of skills and knowledge is needed for high-level jobs. The tenure system legislated by the American Association of University Professors in 1900, keeps teachers who hinder the education and performance of students from being fired. As a psychology student who has taken developmental courses, I agree with him.
Waiting For Superman: A Look At The Flaws Of Americaās Public School System: [Essay Example], 1353 words GradesFixer
The truth is, public school systems have been proven to perform just as well as, if not better than, the charter schools that the film seemingly praises as a definitive solution. There are many who do not recognize or refuse to recognize that there is an evident need for a reform. According to Bono and Giaever 1991 , what is really a good school is a crucial question that requires an answer. A child's destiny should not be determined by his or her zip code. If we are talking about this new economy and people have to be highly skilled, well-educated to work with computers and so on, a substantial portion of America is left behind unless schools in urban areas get improve.
Waiting For Superman Film Analysis
The film helps the viewer understand that many educational systems and school districts in America are lacking not only in one area but many, and gives us specific scenarios in which students have been affected. After watching to film I was shocked and frustrated. Like risk factors, protective factors can exist in and be addressed by individuals, families, communities, and institutions. . Authors Benjamin Barber, Deborah Tannen, and Gregory Mantsios all agree that our educational system is flawed.
