Watch Starting at Zero: Reimagining Education in America

Starting at Zero: Reimagining Education in America is a documentary that follows a group of educators, parents, and students as they explore innovative approaches to education in the United States. The film, which was released in 2020, shines a light on the challenges facing the American education system and proposes new solutions for the future.

The documentary argues that the traditional approach to education in America is failing students. High-stakes testing, cookie-cutter curriculums, and a one-size-fits-all approach to learning are leaving many students behind. This, in turn, has led to a growing achievement gap between wealthy and low-income students, as well as students of different races and ethnicities.

To combat these issues, the film suggests that we need to rethink education from the ground up. The filmmakers propose a new approach that centers on the idea of creating a more personalized and student-centered learning experience. This approach would involve tailoring education to the unique needs of each student, allowing them to learn at their own pace and in their own style.

Throughout the film, we see various examples of this approach in action. From a school in Chicago that uses project-based learning to engage students in real-world problem-solving, to a charter school in Rhode Island that emphasizes social-emotional learning, the film showcases a number of different strategies for reimagining education.

In addition to showcasing innovative models of education, the documentary also highlights the voices of diverse students and families who have been negatively impacted by the current system. Through their stories, we see the urgent need for change - for students who are struggling, the current system is failing them.

The film features interviews with a number of experts and advocates in the field of education, including educators, policymakers, and authors. These experts offer insights into the challenges facing the American education system and propose new solutions for the future.

While Starting at Zero: Reimagining Education in America is an optimistic film that offers hope for a better future, it does not shy away from the challenges that lie ahead. Addressing the shortcomings in the American education system will require significant work and investment, both of which are in short supply. However, the film argues that these challenges are not insurmountable, and that by working together, we can create a brighter future for all students in America.

Overall, Starting at Zero: Reimagining Education in America is a thought-provoking and inspiring documentary that offers a fresh perspective on education in the United States. Through its emphasis on innovative strategies, diverse student voices, and expert insights, the film makes a compelling case for the urgent need to rethink education - and offers a roadmap for how we can make change happen.

Starting at Zero: Reimagining Education in America is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 5 minutes.