Waiting for Superman II

In the beginning of this school year, the nation’s public schools suffered a significant amount of negative media attention that aligned with the release of the film "Waiting for Superman." This film features the achievements of selected, privately managed charter schools. It depicts public education as a failed enterprise.

I have had the opportunity to hear the founder of the featured school, Harlem Children’s Zone, speak on several occasions. Geoffrey Canada has a strong educational vision and is a very persuasive speaker. He should be lauded for his efforts, but his contention that resources don’t matter in the provision of education can simply not be supported. The children who attend this particular charter school are given a full range of social and medical services provided by the board that has raised vast sums of money to support this effort.

Students for many private schools are selected using a lottery system or through an invitation process. Many times those who do not successfully work to their potential are asked to leave; and their class size is one that many public schools can only envy.

By Darlene Schottle

Full Story: http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/waiting_for_superman_ii/21558/