Waiting for Superman

As one who has helped start and has taught in a charter school I have a few things to say about this movie. The final conclusion that we all must contribute to school improvement - to not accept the mediocrity we have now is warranted. The impression that charter schools may be the answer needs to be examined more closely. I agree that the methods of and commitment of those running the best charter schools are key. That we can meet our nation's needs through accelerating such school charters is putting too much faith in a fairly random and incomplete process. I hope that we can move beyond charter schools. For many the initial purpose of charter schools was not to offer alternative opportunities to a few (or even all) but to prove and showcase models and methods to be implemented widely in all schools. The blame for why this has not happened can, as presented in this movie, be placed at the feet of unions and the consequent culture they induce in public schools.
It might also be worth noting that the best charter schools generally are composed of young idealists who are willing to and can afford to give it their all. But even these dedicated souls burnout quickly. These schools do not have the teacher attrition problem beat. In fact, they generally don't address it at all.