Starting at Zero: Reimagining Education in America 2020
Distributed by The Video Project, 145 - 9th St., Suite 230, San Francisco, CA 94103; 800-475-2638
Produced by Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation and Firestarter Interactive
Directed by Willa Kammerer
Streaming, 64 mins
College - General Adult
Early Childhood Education; Education; Law
Date Entered: 03/24/2021
Reviewed by Brendan Johnson, Outreach and Engagement Librarian, Penn State AbingtonThis documentary, directed by Willa Kammerer, works best as a sales pitch for a well-funded and supported statewide Pre-K program in the United States. Through interviews from a wide variety of researchers, advocates, legislators and policy makers, the film explores the benefits of quality Pre-K programs. It is divided into five “chapters” which highlight different rationales for investment in Pre-K, benefits for students, key characteristics of quality programs, and champion the efforts of the Pre-K program in the state of Alabama. The profile of Alabama’s Pre-K program actually serves as the crux of the entire documentary, taking up almost half of the entire film’s running time. The profile provides a very thorough examination of the many factors involved in implementing a successful statewide Pre-K program, including government support, accountability, quality standards, teacher and staff compensation and support, and others. For policy makers and advocates interested in building similar programs, these specifics are very informative and detailed.
The film does specifically emphasize the concept of “quality” within Pre-K programs, stating that the term can be interpreted differently by different administrations and even different departments within the state. Fortunately, it does identify some specific features that “quality” Pre-K should possess. The film emphasizes a holistic view of a child’s educational experience, including active engagement with parents, supporting teachers, and creating welcoming learning spaces, among others. This, along with the discussion around the social and emotional development of children through play and their interactions with others, provides a perspective into a Pre-K program that encourages the development of more subjective soft skills which are often excluded in favor of high scores on reading and STEM high stakes tests. That said, the film does discuss setting standards for students entering Kindergarten, which demonstrates the complexity of this issue and the balancing act for those involved in developing these programs.
Watching the film can feel as if one is watching a pre-recorded PowerPoint presentation with simple slide animations and a generic upbeat instrumental playlist in the background. The extensive amount of screen time given to current and former state governors also gives this film the feeling of an elongated political advertisement. Fortunately, it does not maintain the same level of partisanship of today’s political ads as it stresses Pre-K as a bipartisan issue. Additionally, the film emphasizes how these programs have been built on existing research and are not the propaganda of one particular political persuasion.
While the film’s intention to promote quality Pre-K throughout the United States is admirable, the heavy use of neoliberal rationalizations for state investment in Pre-K can feel off putting. The amount of time devoted to touting economic growth and a more skilled workforce as a reason to invest in education, instead of helping the children who attend those programs to reach their potential, can feel cold and impersonal. At its best when targeted to policy advocates and legislators, Starting at Zero provides a detailed analysis of the benefits and features of a well-supported statewide Pre-K program but lacks much value for classroom educators hoping to gain insight into any best practices. Recommended with Reservations.
Awards:
Accolade Global Film Competition, Award of Excellence; Film Invasion Los Angeles, Audience Choice Award, Outstanding Documentary Film
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