Waiting for ‘Superman’

Waiting for ‘Superman‘ sheds light American public education system and its shortcomings. Directed by Davis Guggenheim, it follows several students and their families as they navigate the challenges of the U.S. school system and strive to gain admission to competitive charter schools.

The documentary highlights various issues within the education system, including the difficulties of removing ineffective teachers, the complexities of tenure, and the bureaucratic conflicts between teaching expectations at different levels of government. It also scrutinizes the role of teacher unions in maintaining the status quo.

Throughout the film, Guggenheim presents statistics and anecdotes that illustrate the failings of many public schools, referring to some as “drop-out factories” where a significant percentage of students do not graduate on time. The film contrasts these struggling institutions with more successful charter schools, such as those run by educators like Geoffrey Canada.

One of the central themes of the documentary is the charter school lottery system. The film builds tension by following families as they anxiously await the results of these lotteries, which determine whether their children will have the opportunity to attend better-performing schools. This process is portrayed as a high-stakes game of chance that can significantly impact a child’s future.

The documentary features interviews with various stakeholders in the education system, including students, parents, teachers, and education reformers. Notable figures such as Michelle Rhee, the former chancellor of Washington D.C. public schools, are shown attempting to implement reforms in the face of significant opposition.