If you haven't yet seen this documentary that explores the current state of public education and its effect on children in this country, you should – and soon. It has been playing at AMC South Barrington 30 for a few weeks now but its days at the box office are numbered. 

Documentaries typically don't bring in the crowds and the resulting big dollars.

Especially if they deal with subjects that many people would rather avoid than confront. Such as teacher tenure, unions, merit pay and education reform.     

Waiting for Superman tackles all of these issues and more as it tells the stories of several children and their hopes and dreams for the future. That future depends on them achieving an education that will prepare them for college – one that they feel cannot be obtained from their failing inner city neighborhood schools. 

Except for Emily, an eighth grader from a wealthy southern California suburb who would attend a high school that does have high graduation rates and test scores – not unlike most of our northwest suburban high schools. But that school tracks it students and she feels that her struggles with math will place her on an academic track with lower expectations. 

Each of these students has applied for a spot at a public charter school and the hope of a better education.

Emily's situation is one that should hit home with many parents whose children fall somewhere "in the middle."  Those students who are not the high achievers who qualify for gifted education or accelerated classes. They also do not need or receive extra resources to meet the requirements set forth on the Illinois State Achievement Tests (ISATs).

They simply are students who are in the middle – somewhere between "low but not low enough" and "just good enough" in order for their school to make AYP [Adequate Yearly Progress], a mandate of the federal government's No Child Left Behind legislation. 

Elementary and junior high schools in Illinois are graded based on whether their students meet or exceed the educational standards determined by the state.  However once a child moves on to high school – a different set of standards takes precedence. 

It is then that a student's proficiency in the core subjects of English, math and science are based on the standards of the ACT. The exam is taken junior year and its results are recognized by every college and university in the country.

This is when many students who have consistently met the standards set by the Illinois State Board of Education from third through eighth grade now find themselves deemed deficient in core subjects. The EXPLORE test, developed by ACT and taken in eighth grade, is the high school entrance exam and a predictor of college readiness.

Ask yourself – why is there such a disconnect between Illinois educational standards and college admission requirements? Why aren't  students being assessed in elementary and junior high when there still is time to intervene? High school is too late to learn if your student is on or off target for college.  

Is Illinois not asking enough of our kids? Or are we not demanding enough of our educational leaders? 

Those are a few of the questions that should be asked after seeing this film. 

Take the time to see this documentary – and join in the conversation it has sparked in this country. Stay for the message that rolls across the screen along with the credits. Don't rush to leave the theatre when the lights come back on.

Waiting for Superman is one film that everyone who says they are concerned about education in this country should see because it affects all of us.  

Check the website to view the trailer and find out more about the film.
Check here to find locations and show times in your area.