Groundbreaking education documentary 'Race to Nowhere' runs on Friday at The Grauer School
“Race to Nowhere”, an up-close look at America’s school system and the pressures facing today’s students, produced and co-directed by Vicki Abeles, is getting a ton of publicity these days, especially in light of President Obama's new education initiative.
The Race runs at 7 p.m. Friday at the Grauer School, 1500 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas. a $10 donation is requested at the door or in advance at http://rtngrauerschool.eventbrite.com/.
Abeles is a concerned mother who investigates the truth behind the nation's "achievement-infatuated societal effect on school-age children." She looks at the pressures to achieve robbing students of self-realization opportunities and family relationships.
Race to Nowhere is a plea to families, educators, experts and policy makers to examine current assumptions on how to best prepare American youth for adulthood.
“As a mother, I experienced the stress firsthand and realized that no one was talking about it,” Abeles said. “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," Abeles added. "I wanted to expose a deeper truth about our education system. We are graduating a generation of robo-students, unable to think and work independently, creatively and collaboratively."
The film is gaining a lot of traction across the nation with showings this month setting the stage for more in-depth discussions of education in America. The Grauer School's showing will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Jacqueline Rush, one of the students highlighted in the film, and Dr. Stuart Grauer, Head of School.
The Grauer School also is gaining a lot of traction these days. Founded in 1991, it's a private, grades 6 –12 college preparatory school accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, renowned for academic excellence, attracting $2.2 million in scholarships for its 18-member, 2010 graduating class.
To learn more about The Grauer School experience, or the continuing Speaker and Film series, visit www.grauerschool.com or call 760/944-6777.
