By now, you have probably heard about the new documentary, Waiting for "Superman". If you haven't, take a look at the trailer here.
We at NFI had the privilege of seeing the film at its D.C. premiere last week, and we recommend it highly to dads and families. (it is out in LA and NYC now, with a wider release scheduled for October 8).
The film takes a close look at the types of students that our public school system is producing, and the results are not pretty. The United States ranks near the very bottom in reading and math in the industrialized world. Up until the 1970's, we were producing the best students in the world. What happened?
The film tries to answer that question and provides some strategies to turn things around. We are not experts on how to fix a large, complex educational system, but we do know one thing: dads can make an immediate impact on how well their children do in school. Today. They don't have to "wait" for the system to improve.
Without a single new program or additional dollar spent, children's academic performance can improve when dads read to them, help them with homework, talk to them about school, and encourage them.
We know from research that when dads do these things, children do better. When dads don't, children struggle. Education is not just mom's territory. Dads have to be engaged, too.
We want to challenge dads to contribute to school reform by starting with their own kids - today. We have created a discussion guide for Waiting for "Superman" and some other advice to help dads get involved. The film's official website also has some ideas.
So, dads, let's stop waiting for Superman to come save our kids. Let's be supermen!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
The Time for Waiting is Over
2 comments:
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The problem with our schools is the curriculum and the people who design it. Most teachers went from school to college and back to school without ever having stepped foot in the real world. Therefore, how can they be even remotely qualified to create lesson plans that will prepare our children for the real world?
ReplyDeleteWe’re so focused on the arrogance of education and trying to show “intelligence” based on advanced calculus classes, when most people can’t even balance a checkbook. Until we start teaching real world skills – computer skills, creating resumes, balancing a checkbook etc., we’ll continue to fail. I’ve been out of college for over 15 year now, and have yet to have a single moment in my life where knowledge of plant photosynthesis or geometry has been necessary. Not one single moment. Pretty much says it all. We teach nothing relevant.
I saw Warren on a youtube video and so became aware of the Fatherhood Initiative. We have been working in this area for more than ten years in Ireland. Our motto is "Doing what men have always done - protecting their families". Our very first survey discovered that 94% of men of all ages and backgrounds wanted to get married and found a Family.
ReplyDeleteThe problem we have is that the State is doing everything it can, through its courts and social policies to prevent men from being Husbands.
A quick look at your site appears to expect individual men to overcome this misandry but that is not possible. What inititives do you have to deal with the bigger picture?
Is there a forum where we can discuss our various successes at ensuring that the courts and the State agenda respects the marriage contract and the role of Husbands to protect and educate their children? God bless, Roger Eldridge