Learning Output No. 2

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in ENGLCOM RVLC

Submitted by:

Seth Andrew J. Salih

Section: ENGLCOM RVLC NO5B

Date: December 3, 2012

The Best for Our Children’s Education

“Waiting for Superman”. David Guggenheim made quite an usual title

for a documentary film focusing on education. The film focused on the

children and out-of-school youth of the United States of America; D.C. in

particular, and their search for high-class education. The movie informed

the viewers that even citizens of First World Countries could still struggle in

looking for good schools. But then, the viewers were shown that there is a

choice for the people. We could choose from government-dependent public

schools, independent private schools, or independent government-funded

charter schools.

To sum it all, the movie tells us that America’s literacy rate is

plummeting. Even financially stable families can barely get their children to

good schools. The good news is that those families can now access charter

schools. To understand the movie, the viewers must know about literacy

rate. Literacy rate is the percentage of people of a specific age group that

can understand English. Aside from literacy rate, viewers must also learn

about charter schools. These are, as mentioned before, independent yet

government funded schools.

When I saw the documentary, it left me thinking that quality

education is hard to find. We could not simply “wait for Superman” and

force him to do something extraordinary. We must learn to judge and

review our school’s so-called “quality education”. The movie focuses mainly

on how charter schools could alleviate America’s falling standards. The film

implies that, although charter schools are a gamble due to their acceptance

methods, they could improve children’s education better than public schools

could. It even denoted that the charter schools are almost at par with the

private schools because of their more advanced materials and highly

qualified teachers.

In the world of mass media, documentaries are thought of as dull and

boring. This film, however, brought life to its rather boring content by

frequently using cartoons to tickle our visual sense, and personal stories to

touch our hearts. This made the film more fun and interesting to watch.

When people thought of America, they imagined a world of wealthy

businessmen walking the streets, buildings rising straight up, and the best

schools releasing fresh batches of graduates. Apparently, not so. In terms of

education, almost all states have less than 50% literacy rates. To top it all

off, the capital, Washington D. C., has the lowest rate of all.

The film’s narrator clearly stated the message, content, and purpose

of the film. His voice naturally mixed with the viewer’s thoughts that it

made the viewers feel like he simply talked in front of the viewers. The

film’s flow moved from the general problem of education to the possible

solution brought by charter schools. The structure did not leave the viewers

hanging but guided them as it presented the main points.

Some scenarios, like the presentation of the low literacy rates and the

lottery-style picking of students, reinforced the purpose of the film. It

showed people as getting desperate in finding good learning institutions.

The film presented the social problems of inferior learning. It presented to

the onlookers the view that most children, who do not get a good education,

do not have a bright future. It also presented political issues. D.C.’ s

governor had been trying to enforce new laws and policies that actually

benefit the students but not the adults. They thought that, as adults, they

have the right to their jobs. Because of pressure caused by angry teachers

and principals, the governor lost the battle and almost her job.

The film placed the observers in a scenario or situation experienced

by the masses. This was a lifestyle with average income, high expenses, and

kids to educate. Every parent wants their offspring to have a good future

but due to social problems, like an increase in delinquent numbers and

inefficient teachers, they have a hard time finding quality schools. The film

is for those who want better learning for their children, and those who want

to help those in need. On the other hand, this documentary is not for people

against Michelle Ree’s rules and sanctions; rules for the betterment of

primary education.

Waiting for Superman. It might mean we will wait for someone to save

us from our plight. Or, it might mean that we ourselves must awaken the

Superman in us and save ourselves, and the children.