Waiting for Superman, a documentary film just released, and book of the same title, features the US public-education system, and the efforts of Geoffrey Canada, an education activist in New York. By visiting www.waitingforsuperman.com, you can see what classrooms around the country - in your neighborhood - need, and then contribute directly, volunteer, and become involved.
Through Canada's Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ), the achievement gap between white NYC students and his charter school's mostly black student body has been measurably reduced. The HCZ program is planned to replicate in 20 cities initially. It follows kids from birth to college, including parenting workshops, all-day pre-kindergarten, and social services. Canada feels that "We must accept no excuses and demand our children be highly educated. An answer won't come from the movie (or book), but it can make average Americans realize we need to do something."
Honolulu ranks #58 in the list of cities and their pledge totals. New York is #1, Los Angeles #2, Chicago #3. On the site you can pledge to see the movie, read the book, and/or get involved.
Visit "It's Possible. Together we Can Fix Education" here: http://www.waitingforsuperman.com/action/
On that page, check out Get Local for your city. If it isn't on the pledge list, there are links to your local schools and school board, to volunteer or donate supplies.
For Hawaii, here is the state DOE site: http://www.hawaiiboe.net/Pages/Welcome.aspx ).
Also on the Take Action page, click on Great Schools, to check K-12 schools ratings across the country. Here is the list for Honolulu:
http://www.greatschools.org/search/search.pageq=honolulu&state=HI&c=school&cpn=GoogleGadget_Search180&x=31&y=5
We have great private schools in Hawaii, but not all residents can afford the tuition for their children. WaitingforSuperman.com is a great source of information and calls to action to improve our public school system. The movement is spreading, as more concerned citizens realize they are needed now to help every child get a great education.
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