I watched it too and it only confirmed what I have long said is the problem: layers and layers of bureaucracy that do not benefit students. I was impressed with the fruits of the charter schools represented in this documentary and sad for the parents who were not fortunate enough to win the education lottery.
Jeffrey Cannon's approach is difficult to attain as it encompasses the education of a child from birth through college. However, in the locations where he manifests his education vision, it makes the most sense to not only educate the children but also the parents or caregivers who are illiterate in what it takes for these children to succeed.
Rhee had it right when she acknowledges that so many are too invested in the interests of the adults and not the education of the children. I was not surprised that the union refused to even vote on her proposal, even when her proposal offered substantial benefit for effective teachers.
While watching that, all I could think was that if these parents, at least the capable ones, put as much effort for a few hours a day into their own kids' education as they do pursuing other relatively meaningless activities or the time involved in "helping them with their homework," and homeschooled instead, much of the problem would vaporize and the rest would be put forth to the bright daylight.
It's all about money and wealth. The lipservice to our kids is just that, talk.
Two problems. One is that often the parents themselves do not have the necessary body of knowledge and ability to home school. Just because you are blessed in your household to have such knowledge and abilities, doesn't make it so for all others. Second, most of these folks are living paycheck to paycheck and do not have the luxury of one parent, often there is only one parent, staying home to school the children......especially not without "assistance" of some sort. Putting food in your kids' mouths and making sure they have a roof over their heads is not a "meaningless activity".....remember most of these parents are NOT skilled labor and don't make a lot of money.
What they want is to provide for their kids what they did not have. This is to be admired, but we cannot put everyone on the same par as you Eric. They are not where you are, do not have the skills and abilities that you and your wife have that make it possible for you to home school. Believe me, I am a great advocate of home schooling, but in regards to economics and literacy it isn't an option for many parents. I understand this as neither of my parents graduated high school. How could they home school? Both were working just to feed and clothe and shelter five kids.
Yes, the fundamental problem is a woeful lack of principles coupled with the willful act of chasing money and wealth. You can't serve two masters. Sigh.