- Listen to the entire program<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/p>\n
![\"Race](\"http:\/\/blogs.edweek.org\/teachers\/living-in-dialogue\/upload\/2009\/12\/new_documentary_race_to_nowher\/rl_postcard_webrd1.jpg\")
President Obama gave a back-to-school speech in Philadelphia yesterday. He emphasized that students have an obligation to get the best education possible and that “Showing up to school on time. Paying attention in class. Doing your homework. Studying for exams. Staying out of trouble. That kind of discipline and drive — that kind of hard work — is absolutely essential for success.” His message that students need to “dream big” and “stay focused,” was given at an elite, and highly competitive public school where the majority of upper-level students take Advanced Placement courses and almost all graduate to go on to four-year colleges and universities. Obama also repeated a philosophy that most kids today hear: “Your future is in your hands. Your life is what you make of it. And nothing – absolutely nothing – is beyond your reach. So long as you’re willing to dream big. So long as you’re willing to work hard. So long as you’re willing to stay focused on your education.” But is our emphasis on high-stakes excellence and pressure to be absolutely the best good for our children? After all, by definition, not everyone can be the best. A new documentary by film maker and mother Vicki Abeles called Race to Nowhere, examines in heart-breaking depth the devastating physical and emotional toll on our children and society as a result of our achievement-based culture that is taken for granted in the US. <\/p>\nGUEST: Vicki Abeles, film maker and mother<\/em><\/p>\n
The film opened on September 10th at the Laemmle Sunset 5. <\/p>\n
Find out more about the film as well as local screenings at www.racetonowhere.com<\/a>. <\/p>\n
View the trailer for Race to Nowhere:<\/p>\n