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We send out newsletters containing the latest information on public education across the state and the U.S., including articles, research, events, and more. During the legislative sessions, we will keep you up-to-date on critical bills and other policy issues so you can be well-informed.
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It’s important to stay on top of important public education issues. That’s where Public Schools First NC can help you. We post research and information on our website, and host meetings across the state to keep you informed. Can’t make one of our meetings? We also hold convenient webinars that you can access from home.
Host a Film Screening
Want to get people involved in learning more about public education in a way that’s fun and engaging? Host your own movie night! We can bring one of the films below to your school, civic organization, your PTA, church or synagogue, or other community venue. After the film, we’ll moderate an audience discussion and allow time for Q & A.
If you want to schedule a screening for your church or synagogue, your civic group or PTA, please contact us to schedule ([email protected]).
Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope
This 60-minute documentary examines how abuse, neglect and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect children’s development & health outcomes in adulthood. Research shows ACEs are common, they affect all income levels, and their impact on health and well-being is significant. “The child may not remember, but the body remembers.” This powerful movie is a conversation-starter and a perspective-changer. This film is intended for an adult audience. (https://vimeo.com/137282528)
Teach Us All
Sixty years after the Little Rock Nine faced resistance when desegregating Central High in Arkansas, America’s schools continue to represent the key battleground of the Civil Rights Movement. TEACH US ALL demonstrates powerful lessons from history within a timely context, emphasizing the need for unity and collective action to rectify the disparities among America’s children. (http://www.teachusallfilm.org/)
Teacher of the Year Documentary
This documentary reveals the complex reality of teaching in the 21st century and explores the forces that influence a teacher’s performance for the competing needs of audiences made up of students, parents, administrators, other teachers, politicians, and the public at large.
The film emphasizes Angela Panel Sciolii’s (Wake County Teacher at Leesville High) work as a performer for these varied audiences, and her struggles and triumphs to be a successful teacher, activist, mother, and wife. The film contends with the view of teachers shaped by seductive media experiences, which reduce teachers to the simplistic dichotomy of good or bad. The film demonstrates that teacher performance is difficult to quantify and dispels myths about teaching that may present a barrier to meaningful educational reform. (http://www.teacheroftheyearfilm.com/)
America Divided
America Divided is a series that explores the inequalities in education, housing, healthcare, labor, criminal justice and the political system. We have episodes 3 and 5 available for showing. (https://americadividedseries.com/about-the-series/)
In episode 3, titled The Class Divide, Grey’s Anatomy star Jesse Williams investigates the Pinellas County School system and the fight against the school-to-prison pipeline.
“Americans need to reexamine the true objectives of our public school system. We know that the moment we put handcuffs on a child in school, we double their chances of dropping out, yet this happens every day, with great and measurable bias. If we send American children to school to be inspired, then this constant presence of armed state agents enforcing the criminal code in classrooms, marks a clear and willful failure that has to be remedied.” Jesse Williams
In episode 5, titled Democracy for Sale, actor and comedian Zach Galifianakis returns to his hometown in NC. He investigates allegations that the current state government was put in power by moneyed interests and has thus carried out a program that only benefits its backers: cuts to education, healthcare spending and environmental protection; lowering of taxes for the wealthy and corporations; and the passage of laws designed to roll back access to the ballot.
Watch episodes 4 & 5 to view the full story.
Backpack Full of Cash
Narrated by Matt Damon, Backpack Full of Cash explores the growing privatization of public schools and the resulting impact on America’s most vulnerable children. This 90-minute documentary takes viewers through the tumultuous 2013–14 school year, into the world of what is now called education “reform.” In Philadelphia and other big cities, public education – starved of resources – hangs in the balance. NC is at a crossroads as we see more and more privatization of our public schools. The film producers charge a fee for this film. Some cost-sharing may apply. (http://www.backpackfullofcash.com/resources/explore-issues-and-connect/)
Attend an Upcoming Event
Find out about forums, community meetings, trainings, and other events occurring across North Carolina. Meet other engaged citizens, build your knowledge and connections.
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Your generous contribution will support us in our efforts to provide accurate information to educate the public about programs and policies concerning the health of North Carolina’s public schools, and to help organizations across the state engage and educate their communities.