The DeWitt Creativity Group and Reel Link Films are pleased to present RACE TO NOWHERE, a film that documents the dark side of America's achievement culture. This documentary chronicles the physical, intellectual, and emotional impact that high stakes standardized testing is having on American K-12 students. The strengths and weaknesses of the school accountability movement are explored in great detail from the perspectives of individuals who are often left out of highly publicized discussions on education: teachers and students. RACE TO NOWHERE exposes the tremedous stress that students undergo to achieve better test scores while balancing extracurricular activities and any semblance of a social life.
Vicki Abeles (the maker of RACE TO NOWHERE) has painted a portrait of the effects of standardized testing that is both startling and thought provoking. The film is being shown in numerous communities throughout the United States in an effort to spark community discussions over the future of K-12 education. The DeWitt Creativity Group will be holding a talk back session (after the film) and wants anyone - parents, teachers, students, administrators, politicians, academics, business owners - to offer their ideas and points of view on these topics: What constitutes a quality education? What is the best way to facilitate this kind of education? How can schools be held accountable for providing a quality education to all students? What role does creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurialism play in providing students with meaningful learning opportunities?
RACE TO NOWHERE will be held at the DeWitt High School auditorium at 7:00 PM on April 19, 2011. Tickets may be purchased for $3.00 (student rate) and $5.00 (adult rate) at DeWitt High School the day of screening. Part of the proceeds will go to the DeWitt Creativity Group to support students and their creative initiatives. The film is rated PG-13. For more information conatct: Jason LaFay (LafayJ@dewittschools.net) and (517-668-3165).