Social Equity and Justice in Education

These films address student-centered learning with a focus on the challenges of effectively supporting young people inside and outside the classroom. Dismissing suggestions that poor kids can't learn, the figures profiled argue that -- no matter where the school is located or who makes up its population -- students succeed when met with dedication, tenacity, fearlessness, and a devotion to the craft and social responsibility of teaching.

The films' subjects -- Steve Barr, James Dierke, Doug McCurry, and George McKenna -- have each made it a personal mission to crate schools that center on deep, sustained relationships between adults and students. They demonstrate how much is possible when people come together to challenge the conventional, sometimes limiting, wisdom about urban public education.

Featured Films:

In addition to an introduction to Social Equity and Justice in Education, this section contains:

Steve Barr: The Takeover of Locke High School in Watts

James Dierke: Leadership Models for Urban Middle Schools

Doug McCurry: The Success of Achievement First

George McKenna: Personalizing Public Education