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Waiting For Superm The Education System Of The United States

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Waiting For Superman Essay The film Waiting for Superman asks an important question as it examines the failing educational system of the United States. Should we focus on saving our schools or the children who attend them. I say we can only save our society by designing schools whose prime objective is to benefit children despite the many agendas that are counterproductive to that end. Waiting for Superman lists those impacted by the public school system and attempts to break down the system responsible, namely poor structures, government officials and as ultimately the all mighty dollar, both spent and made. Who are the stakeholders? Children, whose futures are at risk; parents and caretakers because today’s family makeup is varied, …show more content…

Currently, southern states are performing at 14-18%, eastern states at 40% and western states at 24% in math. National average proficiency in reading ranges 20-35%. However, sometime between the 5th and 7th grades student grade level begin dipping from B’s to D’s. The film hypothesizes it’s because students become aware of their limited prospects and depression begins to set in effecting grades. Whether fueled by depression, poor neighborhoods or bad teachers; schools are failing students, By the 10th grade millions of children drop out of school and have no vested interest in living or becoming productive citizens.
Reformers like D. C. Chancellor, Michelle Rhee, and educator and charter school founder, Geoffrey Canada refuse to accept the status quo. Rhee drew fire in her efforts to make changes in the D. C. school system. Under her administration resources were diverted from administrative budgets and redirected into the schools. Rhee watched test scores rise as a result. She was able to make sure each school was equipped with art, music and P.E. teachers, along with a nurse and librarian. What the Chancellor wasn’t able to do was extend school days, measure the effectiveness of her teachers or change the terms of tenure.
Tenure was meant to protect college professors from unfair firings and was only gained after many years of teaching and going through a long and difficult process. Even then many college educators don’t ever get tenured. Public schools

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