"Imagine a school where the cool kids are the chess team"

[Starry Messenger]

2. I can't wait to see this film.

I was just coming to post another snippet from CNN here:

http://schoolsofthought.blogs.cnn.com/2012/07/19/brooklyn-castle-students-seek-solutions-for-every-problem-on-the-chessboard/

CNN: The debate about how to reform school is so contentious, and there have been several films about failing public schools; where do you think this story fits into the debate?

Nelson: It’s a tired notion that schools can only fail. They work when they have the resources they need. {I went to} public schools and after-school programs – sports, band, plays. I was at school till 5 o’clock because I wanted to every day. I don’t think I would be a creative person if it wasn’t for all that.

Katie: I didn’t come to this as an activist – I discovered the issue as I was making it, the issue of supporting public education and supporting after-school programs. Most adults will agree after-school programs matter, but I don’t think most realize the negative impact of when they go away. I’m proud to have a film that’s a positive portrayal of public education. I think people need to be reminded that a public school can do great things – a public schools that has a 65% poverty rate.

Public schools aren't failing, they are being starved and then told to suck it up.