Educational Media Reviews Online

Best Kept Secret is an amazing documentary that addresses the lack of quality programming available to support students with special needs after high school graduation. The story is unveiled through the eyes of Janet Mino who is an exceptional Special Education Teacher and advocate at John F. Kennedy High School in Newark New Jersey. Unfortunately, she is faced with relinquishing her entire graduating class to a variety of adult day centers and other situations she feels may cause her students learned skills to regress. While she struggles to provide adequate support for the parents and their adult children, she realizes her efforts may not be enough to guarantee or maintain her student’s success beyond the classroom.

The DVD is heartwarming, but focuses on the harsh reality of limited government funding that continues to be an issue across the United States. The audience is well informed about the poor economic status in Newark and the city’s autism population. How do autistic high school students successfully transition into the world of work as consumers? How do parents choose what’s best for their beloved children when sufficient transportation is not provided, there are additional costs for private programs of higher quality, and much more?

The production is formatted well and easy to follow. It is highly recommended for most audiences, but especially for special education teachers, parents or families with special needs children, and school administrators. The DVD is an unforgettable piece that will make you laugh and cry at the same time.