Waiting for "Superman"

If you have not heard of the documentary "Waiting for Superman," I suggest you do a quick google search. This film, which I saw today, was fantastic. It is about education in America. A system that is in desperate need of attention. A system I learn more and more about because my best friend has been thrust into the world of it. She is a Teach For America teacher, and has horror stories of 16 year-old sixth graders.

But back to the movie: the part of the movie that struck me the most was when the film maker discusses track systems. The first time I can remember being put into a track was in 4th grade. We were divided by our math capabilities. There was the GT (gifted and talented) program, and then everyone was broken down from there. I was in Mrs. Jones' math class, which was right below GT. The next time I remember how big of a deal the track system was, was between 7th and 8th grade. There was a test that was to be taken to determine whether or not you could take algebra in 8th grade. It may not seem like a huge deal, but that test would determine my class schedule for the next 4-5 years. I did not pass the test right away. I was put on a waiting list, and had to go talk to the principle with my mother to get placed into the algebra class.

Why was it such a big deal? Well if I was on the regular track I would take biology as a sophomore, and chemistry as a junior in high school. Rather, I took biology as a freshmen and chemistry as a sophomore. I would take pre-calculus, and trig. I would then have the decision my senior year as to whether I wanted to take calculus or advanced placement classes. I guess I was on the fast track -- I am not sure where that fast track was taking me.

Did I really receive a better education because I was on this track? Were the expectations of me greater? I know they were greater from my parents. Majority of my friends were on the same track. Were we friends because we were going places?

This movie made me take a look back at my education. Even through out college -- did I get what I paid for? The teacher's assistant was about 3 years older than me -- were they capable of teaching me what I needed to know? Overall, this movie digs deeper into the education system, and how if you attend one bad school through out your childhood, you are that much further behind. I hope everyone goes to see this movie. It was truly eye-opening.

GO SEE IT NOW!