Educational Media Reviews Online

This professionally produced documentary reinforced with eight memorable interviews, identifies school reform programs and practices that are making a difference across the nation. Each is shown in practice and discussed in great detail. The application and resultant outcome of the programs are revealed throughout the documentary as Hedrick Smith travels from school district to classroom exposing the struggles and successes of those in charge of improving test scores in an effort to close achievement gaps. Emphasis is placed on elementary, middle, and high schools with minority student populations living in poverty and attending under-resourced schools. Each has a call for structure and tightly tailored scripted programming. The videos highlight various reform examples. They include Success for All, a reading and math model that involves scripted lesson plans and fast paced instruction, the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) which focuses on providing students with the academic, intellectual and character skills necessary to prepare them for college, The Comer Process, while not an academic curriculum, requires the involvement of all stakeholders in molding positive student behaviors as a means of creating a favorable learning environment, and High Schools that Work, a program that connects students with teachers through close personal relationships and challenges teachers and students to academically make the link from high school to higher education. All of the programs demonstrate the belief that all students can learn if given the proper guidance and academic demands. These videos contain interviews/conversations with those who have developed these life changing philosophies as well as administrators who have championed their purpose. Each gives the observer a wonderful foundation for studying the possible relevance when applying this information to their own circumstances in an effort to create reform change.

The audio and video quality is excellent. This resource is highly recommended with great potential for use in many collections. These materials would be beneficial to educators and school administrators who have the responsibility of developing curriculum and setting policy. Teacher education programs could benefit by making their students aware that such resources exist. It is crucial that school districts, academic libraries and curriculum centers make these materials available. These videos are an excellent tool for professional development. Additional online resources are available at the Making Schools Work web site.