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Schools

'Race to Nowhere' Raises Some Important Issues

The interesting part of "Race to Nowthere" is its challenge to think differently.

One of the many interesting parts of Race to Nowhere is that it challenges you to think about how we educate students, what we say to them and what's really important in life.

I was at the showing on Wednesday night at Geneva High School, and took a few notes, although not a lot, because I wanted to experience the movie as a parent more than as a reporter.

Parents were asked to write down on two note cards something from the movie that resonated for them. Here were some that resonated for me.

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For parents, does any of this sound familiar?

  • "I didn't think when I had kids that the only time I would see them was for the 20 minutes during dinner."
  • "Every evening became a battle over homework."
  • "I personally felt anxiety about all the things my kids are supposed to do."

How about students? Does this ring any bells?

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  • "You try to cram as much stuff into your head as possible, and as soon as the test is over—it's gone."
  • "Everyone expects us to be superheroes."
  • "I'm going to score on that test by hook or by crook."

Thoughts from teachers, counselors and school administrators:

  • One girl carved "empty" into her forearm. The counselor being interviewed said kids often seem just fine, when "literally, they're bleeding underneath."
  • It's anecdotal, but one teacher cut homework in half and AP (advanced placement) scores went up.
  • A teacher said the pressure to perform/produce, produce/perform makes it difficult for kids to develop problem-solving or independent thinking skills because the time limitation "leaves out the processing."

Bad example that I am, I am racing to the next meeting. So I'm leaving you with these verbal snapshots from the movie and literal ones from the event and panel discussion.

There is more to come, on Geneva Patch and throughout the community. The movie also has suggested solutions, which require further attention.

A follow-up meeting takes place Thursday, March 10, at the high school.

For more: endtherace.org.groups/genevatricities

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