Alaska News

Waiting for Superman doesn't play here

The country is weighing in on "Waiting for Superman," the thought-provoking documentary film that offers a serious, if not scathing, assessment of the nation's public school systems. The film has generated critical buzz and is even being mentioned as a front-runner for an Academy Award. But the film's most tangible buzz is coming from audience members, and even from those who haven't seen it: parents, pundits and the general public are using the film as cause to cast blame on "the system" for failing our children.

"Waiting for Superman" played this winter in Anchorage, and again just recently; yet it came and went without creating so much as a ripple. Why? Perhaps because things are different here.

Our families and schools struggle with the same burning issues as other communities do -- budget crunches, family poverty, children falling through the cracks academically and socially, parent concerns, student safety. But instead of squandering our energy on outrage and blame, we are all channeling that energy toward a community commitment: Every student in Anchorage should graduate from high school ready for college, career and life. Every student.

Here, we are all on the same team: Anchorage United for Youth. The Anchorage School District has linked arms with the community; with public, private nonprofit and faith sectors; and with parents and teachers to stand united to boost our youths to success.

Realizing that a lot of good effort and investment were simply not producing the result we needed, dozens of organizations and hundreds of individuals proactively stepped forward. AUY members put a stake in the ground: We will increase high school graduation.

This innovative collaboration has quickly shaped Anchorage into a fertile landscape for our youth. Graduation rates are rising (up 10 percent in five years, in fact), more of our youngest are prepared for school, and youth alcohol use is down. Sure, our education system isn't perfect. None is. In Anchorage, one in three local students still isn't graduating on time. But no one is making excuses, pointing fingers or drawing lines. Here, our school district aligns with community partners to achieve better results because we never lose sight of the ultimate goal: our children's success.

"Waiting for Superman" should serve as a reminder that in Anchorage we can make a difference. We hope you will be inspired to get personally involved to make it even better for our children. Volunteer at a school. Mentor or coach youth after school. Join others in community conversations about how we can support our youth. Advocate for our children and our school district with elected officials.

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There are so many ways we can support our children and our school system, and there is so much at stake for us all. Dropouts make up 75 percent of the prison population, while a high school graduate will earn 74 percent more over a lifetime and is 15 percent more likely to be employed. Those are numbers and realities that shape a community, for better or worse.

In Anchorage, we don't have to wait for Superman. Here, we all have the opportunity to play the role of superhero for our community's children -- no cape necessary.

Michele Brown is president of United Way of Anchorage. More information, www.liveunitedanchorage.org or 263-3803.

By MICHELE BROWN

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