District and Two PTAs host screening
of Race to Nowhere documentary

1/11/11

More than 350 parents, teachers, students and other community members braved cold, wet weather to attend a special showing of the film Race to Nowhere on Tues., Jan. 11, 2001, in the Rolling Hills Middle School event center.

Race to Nowhere is a documentary that explores "the dark side of America's achievement culture." It profiles students from elementary school to college age and illustrates how the strain of competing in a pressure-packed academic culture is pushing some students to the edge.

The film asks educators, psychologists, college guidance counselors and parents to consider the effect that the pressure to excel is having on our children.

"It’s not going to be the experts that make the change. It’s going to be ordinary people," said the film’s Director, Vicki Abeles, in a recent news interview.

After the movie, Dr. Eric Andrew, superintendent of Campbell Union School District, and Matt Andrews, researcher and parent, asked the audience to separate into groups of 10-12 people in order to discuss three questions:

1. How do we help students cope with stress in their lives?

2. How do we connect with students to inspire them to learn?

3. What resources are available in the community for students and families seeking relief from stress and meaning in life?

The screening was made possible through support and funds from the Parent Teacher Associations at Marshall Lane Elementary and Rolling Hills Middle schools, and was held in partnership with the school district. Funds raised through ticket sales will help defray the event costs, including purchasing the rights to show the film.

The two facilitators concluded the event by encouraging audience members to return to their schools and families and identify one change they can make to address some of the issues raised in the film.
race to nowhere

 

Review of Audience Discussion

After the film, the audience members discussed and responded to three questions (listed above). They offered comments at the event and submitted ideas on index cards, too.

Following is a summary, in four general categories, of the ideas and comments taken from the 47 response cards received.

• Group Activities to Reduce Student/Family Stress: more fun in family/group activities (game nights, walks outdoors, exercise, movie night); parenting classes (how to talk/listen to children, make it safe to fail/learn, appropriate/positive discipline); more opportunities for neighborhood activities (e.g. “pick up” basketball at school)

 

• Educator Support for Students: promote more equity in education; make it safe to fail/learn; inspire students by connecting with them (learn about their lives/interests); provide many opportunities to discover their passion; inspire through your own interests/passion; talk to students about what they are learning; listen to students/give them a voice in class

• Homework: Approx. 1/3 of the respondents want to reduce homework, 1/3 want no homework, and 1/3 want to clarify (through policy, etc.) how much and what type of homework is appropriate. More communication about homework—policy, value of it, etc.

• Miscellaneous: Encourage good stress management (take a break, yoga/walk/exercise); Look at/Change “the system” to reduce pressure—e.g. year-round school, fewer tests/change types of tests, preparing “all students” for 8th grade Algebra; allow students time…to create (work through boredom), reflect, choose, try/fail/learn; use community resources (YMCA, Church, Cornerstone, volunteermatch.org)

NEXT STEPS FOR CAMPBELL UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT

District Superintendent, Dr. Eric Andrew, has committed to:
• Continue the discussions with several district-level committees, including S-PAC, Faculty Senate, DELAC, and District Leadership Team.
• Review the current homework policy with his staff.
• Present recommendations to the Governing Board in May 2011.

2/4/11