You have probably seen or at
least heard about the documentary film Race to Nowhere which Vicki
Abeles created a few years ago in 2010.
This week she will be sharing more thoughts in a new book, called Beyond
Measure, which will accompany her new film of the
same name. Once again, she is asking us to examine the educational system in
this country, with particular focus on the excessive amount of homework, striving
for perfection, and the emotional and physical costs involved.
To me, the book Beyond
Measure takes a long time to lay out the issues although it does rely effectively
on both anecdote and research to document concerns about children’s health and the
many pressures they face. It is not
until the last chapter that Abeles begins to really outline some ideas for
change. These very specific actions include suggested steps to be taken at home
and at school. Beyond Measure, like Race to Nowhere, deserves
a read and subsequent conversation involving students, parents, teachers and
policy makers.
Here is a quick trailer:
