I have recently been challenged with a life-looming question. What would one do to keep, maintain, nurture, and help life's most enduring treasures? I struggle with that question as I am confident that, often times, some of us are moved to go beyond and do more than we ever imagined. There is another question, though: what is society's greatest treasure? Waiting for Superman claims the answer to that question is our children. In the exploration of that claim is the understanding that our schools, and the system of education, is doing more harm for many than good,launching an exploration of the problems, the causes, the issues, the solutions, and the hopes of our educational system.

Waiting for Superman is the documentary that raised eyebrows across America with its theatrical release. Now in DVD release the movie is opening even more eyes, and the special features add to the story with schools and situations not seen in the theatrical version. There are also updates on various individuals featured in the movie. While not blended into the story as an extended version, the stories and situations are still there in a captivating, thought-provoking call to action.

Waiting for Superman starts off with the realization that while we may be waiting for Superman due to the seemingly impossible situation we are in regarding education, the reality is, Superman isn't real and isn't going to show up. The conclusion that the makers of this film quickly come to is that it is up to us to solve the problem of a poor educational system that potentially spells doom for America's children. As the husband of an educator in the public school system for over thirty years now, I have been engaged in many discussions, and I have seen many things around the public school sector, not only through the eyes of a parent, but through the eyes of a husband whose wife has felt the call to teach in public school. In those capacities, I quickly begin to see, understand, and believe in many of the premises set forth by the documentarians of this film. I understand the seriousness of the issues presented and the reasoning why individuals from all sides of the political spectrum have come forth to support this movie.

Waiting for Superman follows the plights of various families to seek more for their children in the educational system. Prior to this part of the film is the presentation of how schools are failing and the impact on America's children. We see everything from the politicization of educators and politicians to the unionization of teachers that prevents, in many situations, the termination of educators who fail to teach due to the policies of tenure. While there are no technical components of the film to brag about and a few glitches in the editing process, there is still no doubt that the story, investigation, and the inspiration to the viewer to do more, insist on more, and ultimately fight more for our children is clear. As a society, we may be hurting our children more than helping them through the educational systems in place. It isn't that teachers as a whole are intentionally doing harm. But when a system is in place which prevents teaching, and refuses to reward those who do a good job because of the process of tenure and union decisions, and then keeps teachers who do bad jobs, then we have to question the way we do education. As a documentary, Waiting for Superman builds a compelling, thought-provoking argument: there is more that can, and should be done to improve the educational system.

In looking at this movie, I was reminded of the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus emphasized throughout his life the importance of children, both from a figurative and literal perspective. There is no doubt as to the importance of children and the role adults have in providing for, training, and helping children. I couldn't help but wonder, are we doing our best to provide for the children in our educational system? Is our educational system itself the best it can be? There are numerous challenges parents face in the education of their children. Unfortunately, the system is not set up to assist the parents in those challenges.

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