Film sparks dialogue about educational system

Posted: Oct. 5, 2011

More than 300 members of the Lake Country community attended a free screening of the documentary film "Race to Nowhere" last Saturday evening at the Oconomowoc Arts Center. Sponsored by Rogers Memorial Hospital and the Oconomowoc Area School District, the film takes a closer look at "the dark side of America's achievement culture" and its impact on education.

Representatives from Books & Company of Oconomowoc, Oconomowoc Parent Education Network (OPEN), the Mental Health Association of Waukesha County, Parents United and Rogers Memorial Hospital answered additional questions and offered resources to patrons in the OAC lobby before and after the screening of the film.

According to the "Race to Nowhere" website, the film is "a call to mobilize families, educators, and policy makers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens."

More than 600,000 people have attended more than 2,000 community screenings of the documentary in theaters, schools, churches and organizations nationwide in a grassroots attempt to raise awareness and to start a dialogue regarding the state of the nation's education system.

"Race to Nowhere" addresses trends in the current system where increased amounts of homework and pressures to be admitted into top-tier colleges and schedules overloaded with sports, clubs and extracurricular activities are leaving today's kids exhausted, disengaged and unhealthy.

"As a mother, I experienced the stress firsthand and realized that no one was talking about it. I saw kids who were anxious, depressed, physically ill, checking out, abusing drugs and, worst case, attempting suicide.

"I felt compelled to speak out about this crisis by making a film and giving voice to the students, teachers and parents. I wanted to expose a deeper truth about our education system," said Vicki Abeles, "Race to Nowhere" writer, producer and co-director.

Panel discussion

In an effort to spark community conversation regarding the topics broached by "Race to Nowhere," a panel discussion was held directly after the screening at the OAC. The discussion was moderated by Mitch Teich, executive producer of WUWM's locally produced weekday public radio program "Lake Effect."

Panelists included Stephanie C. Eken, medical director of the Child Center at Rogers Memorial Hospital, Joseph Moylan, principal of Oconomowoc High School and Edie Scott, coordinator of Parents United, a nonprofit consortium of 16 Waukesha County special education departments.

"This film was very powerful. The pressures and expectations on our children to get into the top schools have definitely increased. The world is more global and our kids are now competing with kids all over the world. My advice is to know your kids and your family values and be there for your kids. No matter what their grades are or what activities they're involved in," said Scott after the film.

Eken agreed. "It's important to know our children and what's developmentally appropriate for them. Kids need to have compassionate and caring adults in their life. This is a community issue and as a community we need to support our children," added Eken.

Moylan has seen "Race to Nowhere" three times. When moderator Teich asked the OHS principal how teachers and parents can help kids deal with the increased pressures to succeed in everything, Moylan responded, "There's a real need for parents to know their kids and to define what success means in each family. Having choices is a huge part of that. Kids need to have options and the time to explore those interests in order to find themselves."

The stress of success

Kerri Johanning of Oconomowoc and her 17-year-old son, Cameron, attended the screening of the documentary film. "I have a son who expects a lot from himself. He has to get perfect grades and wants to get into a top school. I know he has a great social life and that he's happy, but I always worry that he's trying to do too much," said Johanning.

Cameron is in the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program at Oconomowoc High School. His busy schedule also includes working part time at the Oconomowoc Pick 'n Save, an internship with the Oconomowoc Area Chamber of Commerce, involvement in several clubs at school and having a role in the upcoming OHS musical, "Urinetown." Cameron also runs his own business teaching piano lessons to other kids.

"I wanted to see 'Race to Nowhere' because I've been interested in education reform for a long time. The film did a good job showing the struggle for students in our country's education system. But there wasn't a plan of action. We need to take it into our own hands now that we know there are problems," said Cameron.

The high school senior admits his schedule is loaded, but acknowledges he knew what he was getting himself into. "I feel the stress, but I'm not depressed about it. I knew the IB program would be a lot of work, but I also knew if I didn't take advantage of it I wouldn't be able to get into a top-tier university," he added.

Cameron's mom agreed "Race to Nowhere" was a way to start a conversation about America's current education system. She also concurred with what the discussion panel had to say after the screening regarding the importance of parents being there for their children.

"It's up to us to make some changes. Enough parents need to come forward and say we don't want our kids to live like this anymore. There needs to be a movement," said Johanning. "It won't happen overnight, but in the meantime, we need to make the time to be there for our kids. We have family dinners, we go to church together and attend community events like the theater and this film screening and we talk all the time. My kids know we are here for them no matter what."

For more information about "Race to Nowhere," visit www.racetonowhere .com.