Lessons in Becoming Superman

As African-American History Month draws to a close, let's take notice that African-Americans like President Barack Obama, Marian Wright Edelman, Geoffrey Canada and others have unleashed a national movement to reform public education.

This movement could reverse the decline in educational standing of the United States among industrialized nations. High quality public education is the engine that drives the national economy, stabilizes local communities, and creates social and economic equity for children and families.

Friday evening, approximately 90 parents, educators, students, civic organizations and Central Brooklyn residents crowded into Restoration’s Skylight Gallery for a film screening of Waiting for Superman.   The documentary spotlights today’s educational crisis and challenge, by following the lives of children and families desperate to improve educational outcomes for their children.

Restoration joined with others from coast to coast who hosted house parties and events at community based organizations as part of the official Waiting for Superman National House Party Viewing Night.  Restoration received a complimentary DVD from the United Way of New York City for being among the first fifty people and organizations who agreed to host a party.

While Waiting for Superman highlights several successful charter schools, the film's intent is to challenge us not to accept the status quo which produces American students -- particularly African-American and Hispanic-American -- who are not sufficiently proficient in reading comprehension, math and science to compete effectively in the global economy or for even the best jobs locally.

The film humanizes the issue in a way that stirs passion and emotion.

As a historic community based organization serving Central Brooklyn, we are convinced that closing the achieving gap between Central Brooklyn schools and students and its highest performing counterparts will provide the best long term outcomes for our families and communities. 

In short, education remains our best hope for breaking the cycle of poverty, unemployment and underemployment that ails communities like Bedford-Stuyvesant. Restoration intends to be a productive partner in this effort.

After the screening, participants jockeyed for air time, sharing their reflections on the movie and on the state of education.  Spirited debate and discussion kept the crowd pinned to their seats until well past 10 p.m.

For sure, one thing was loudly clear: Education is a topic that is heartfelt and emotional. Participants also agreed to write letters to Congress and local elected officials demanding meaningful improvement in public schools.

Loyal public school administrators and teachers voiced their concern over the film’s apparent bias in favor of charter schools. They also emphasized that public school funding cuts have steadily undermined public school performance and their ability to serve children through extended day and arts enrichment programs.

At the same time, they pointed out examples of high performing Central Brooklyn schools such as Benjamin Banneker, Medgar Evers Early College High School, and Bedford Academy that have achieved the same success as the best charters.

Others defended and lauded charters for fostering a culture of excellence and accountability among their students and teachers. Regardless of the success of some charters, it was pointed out that the vast majority of our youth, approximately 90 percent, attend public schools.

It was further noted that there are failing charters too, and in fact only some 20 percent of charters are outperforming public schools. 

While the film sparked a spirited debate, there were several viewpoints shared: 

• Parents need to be involved in their child’s education and be present for homework help and PTA and school meetings;
• All children can learn and deserve a great education, regardless of their parental involvement, school, community or economic background.
• If some schools can work, all schools can work -- we cannot and should not accept failing schools;

The responsibility for ensuring the quality of the educational system needs to be shared and owned among many, including schools, parents, government and elected officials and community. 

We plan to host another screening and listening party in our Billie Holiday Theatre in March. If you are interested in joining us, please keep in touch with us on Facebook or on our website.

We also welcome your comments and feedback on the role that community based organizations, like Restoration, can play in improving educational outcomes for Central Brooklyn as well as your expression of the role you are willing to play to strengthen our community and create equity for our youth.