While most people interested in education saw Waiting For Superman during its theatrical release, I often fail to catch any new release. I often wait for Netflix or the DVD release. I have made it a point to watch any film that deals with the shortcomings of, or the success of schools at the high school or collegiate level. Netflix is a great option for those seeking a wealth of information on education. Now that the advertisement is over let’s get to this.
Waiting for Superman utilizes the documentary lens of Davis Guggenheim to follow a group of students in Los Angeles, New York, Silicon Valley, Harlem and Washington DC who are transitioning to various levels of schools from elementary to high school. Four of these students live in districts that are underperforming and the schools that they will have to attend are basically considered “dropout factories”. In one instance in the film one of the students is not encountering a ‘dropout’ factory. This is not of considerable importance in the film because while the student that lives in a district that has a school that is not considered to be a ‘poor’ school, the school the student has to attend does what is called tracking. (As a former middle school and high school employee I have seen how tracking works and while most parents don’t have a clue about tracking, it becomes clear in the film how this affects a student’s future.) While it seems absurd for a child moving from the first grade to the second grade at risk of dropping out, the idea that at this age failure is taking place at too high of a rate highlights the gravity of what Waiting for Superman documents.
The documentary creates an emotional bond with the characters that culminates in a scene where each of the students is literally awaiting ‘Superman’. While the students create the emotional appeal, it is the academic discussion that is generated which allows the viewers to gain a real understanding of the failures of education in America. Through interviews with former school superintendents in various districts and video footage of hidden cameras in classrooms, the incompetence of school districts becomes apparent. The film becomes a guide in frustration. The barriers in place when trying to remove poor teachers or implement solutions in attempting to change education for the students, makes for moments when the viewer wants to reach in the screen and shake people.
The film does present solutions, and this is rare in the educational film market. Most educational films generate discussion, but leave answers dangling like participles. Waiting for Superman however gives support to the idea that change can be implemented. Instead of detailing what happens in the movie I request that you watch this film and then I request that you actually visit your schools and lend a hand, because everyone won’t have a Superman. You’ll get what I’m saying after you watch.
