Race to Nowhere

Many of you may have heard of a film that is gaining national recognition called, “Race to Nowhere”. We are fortunate that it will be shown locally, at The Elon School, this Tuesday, April 26th at 7 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Visit www.racetonowhere.com to order advance tickets and to learn more.
The film-maker is a mother who has become concerned about in her words, “the high-stakes, high pressure culture that has invaded our schools and our children’s lives”. The film has encouraged a groundswell of grassroots advocacy across the country.

The promotional flyer I received offers a sad, but I am afraid, fairly accurate portrayal of many current school practices:

• High-stakes testing has replaced meaningful teaching and learning.
• Cheating is commonplace.
• Stress-related illness, depression and burnout are rampant.
• Many young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired.

Our local administrators feel they must respond to the pressure they receive to meet testing standards. To keep their jobs, teachers must teach in the way that they are required to do by the administration. The only way things will change is if pressure is brought to bear on state and national legislators by concerned citizens.

Please see this film so that you will be an informed advocate for our children. I encourage you to make your friends aware as well.

I think it should be well worth the $10!

Miss Barbara