DC Public Education Fund Hosts Special Screening of Waiting for "Superman"on September 12, 2010

September 15, 2010-- At an advance screening on Sunday, September 12, many DC Public Education Fund staff and special guests were brought to tears by the powerful message conveyed by Waiting for “Superman”, Director Davis Guggenheim’s new documentary. Waiting for “Superman” outlines the challenges the US faces in reforming our education system and highlights the work of DC Public Schools’ Chancellor Michelle Rhee, among other leaders in education reform. The movie underscores the role of teacher quality in increasing student achievement and calls all of us to take action to improve our schools. Guggenheim is best known for his success as Director of An Inconvenient Truth. Like An Inconvenient Truth, Waiting for “Superman” dares each of us to become part of the solution. Actions you can take include:

• Support A Standing Ovation for DC Teachers – Save the date and help us to celebrate our teachers for the critical contribution that they make to our children and our city every day. Download the Standing Ovation for DC Teachers Save the Date, and check back soon for more information.
• Join DC School Reform Now (DCSRN) – DCSRN is building a civic movement that is quickly gaining momentum across the city. DCSRN is primarily seeking to protect school reform to improve student achievement.  Through raising public awareness, cultivating parent and community champions, and educating policy-makers—DCSRN supports reforms that will ensure quality education for all students.
• Volunteer - click here for more information about volunteering within DC Public Schools.
• Spread the word – visit the Waiting For “Superman”  website and share it with your friends and family. The film opens in select theaters in the DC area on September 24^th.
• Educate yourself – FOCUS is a great resource to learn more about charter schools in DC and this report is a good way to build your understanding of DCPS’ reform plan.

For more information on the movie, and on how you can take action, visit www.waitingforsuperman.com.   DC Public Education Fund would like to thank Paramount Pictures for their generous donation of the screening and CityBridge Foundation for co-hosting the event.