Inconvenient Truth Behind Waiting for Superman at AERA Conf Sunday in San Francisco

We were asked to make our real reform film available as a counterpoint to the ed deform WFS. Note they are showing another ed deform film after ours, followed by a panel discussion. NOT FAIR - 2-1.

Unfortunately, Brian Jones and Diana Zavala will be heading to AERA on Tuesday for a panel and will miss this. Would have been great to have them rep us in the context of the bookend ed deform films.

By the way -- if see it if you haven't seen the film, the best defense of teacher unions yet, something that puts the UFT to shame ...

"The Inconvenient Truth Behind Waiting for Superman" Online

gemnyc.org/our-film

I know she will kill me for saying this --- was inspired and managed and written and produced and narrated and organized (including getting space for the premiere, recruiting Diane Ravitch to speak, etc) by Julie Cavanagh. Not to underestimate the amazing work Darren did as Julie's partner in the project ( I had to drop out for 6 weeks due to the play I was appearing in) and then Mollie's work in reorganizing the film after the first showing. And of course the amazing parent voice of Lisa Donlan who helped shaped the editing. And once Brian was recruited to co-narrate with Julie he jumped all the way in and did a lot of the writing.


Sunday, April 28
8:15 am – 10:15 am: Waiting for Superman
Co-Sponsor: Division L

 Waiting for Superman follows a handful of promising kids through a system that the film suggests inhibits, rather than encourages, academic growth while embracing the belief that good teachers make good schools. This film explores innovative approaches taken by education reformers and charter schools.

Trailer: http://www.takepart.com/waiting-for-superman/film


10:35 am – 12:05 pm: The Inconvenient Truth Behind Waiting for Superman
Co-Sponsor: Division L

In response to Waiting for Superman, grassroots activists highlight the real-life experiences of public school parents, students and educators to show how so-called reforms are actually hurting public education.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUgrpjMjsyY

12:25 pm – 1:55 pm: The Lottery
Co-Sponsor: Division L

Follow the story of four African American families from Harlem and the Bronx who have entered their children in a charter school lottery. Out of thousands of hopefuls, only a small minority will win the chance of a better future.

Trailer: http://thelotteryfilm.com/

2:15 pm – 3:45 pm: Panel: How Media and Film Portray Teachers and School Reform
Co-Sponsor: Division L

Chair: Jessica Lester, Washington State University

Panelists: Audrey Amrein-Beardsley, University of Arizona; Mary Dalton, Wake Forest University;  Rachel Gabriel, University of Connecticut; Claudio Sanchez, NPR