With the CPS making daily headlines, “The School Project” doc series couldn’t be more timely. Now the fifth episode, produced by Media Process Group, on Chicago public education will screen at a special screening and panel discussion the Chicago Cultural Center, Saturday, April 25 at 2 p.m.
The 10-minute episode, “UnChartered Territory – Charter Schools: For Better or for Worse?” directed by MPG’s Bob Hercules, dives into the growing trend toward privatization of public schools, the idea of “choice” and how it affects the system, and the role of innovation in charter schools.
Co-hosted with WTTW, the event will brings together experts, policymakers, educators, and students together for a community discussion about the proliferation of charters in Chicago — including the repercussions in the classroom, and in our neighborhoods.
“Chicago Tonight’s” Elizabeth Brackett will moderate the panel discussion with panelists CPS board member Dr. Carlos Azcoitia, who has voted repeatedly against charter school expansions; Nia Abdullah, Principal of Bowen High School, which is confronting charter expansions in its neighborhood; Michael Milkie, CEO and superintendent of the Noble Network of Charter Schools; Stacy Davis Gates, legislative coordinator for the Chicago Teachers Union and Sarah Karp, deputy editor, Catalyst Chicago.
“The School Project” is co-produced with Free Spirit Media, Kartemquin Films, Kindling Group, Media Process Group, Siskel/Jacobs Productions, and producers Rachel Dickson and Melissa Sterne.
It also partners with news media and community organizations, including WTTW, the Chicago Sun-Times, Catalyst Chicago, the Chicago History Museum, Ebony.com, CANTV, StoryCorps, and Community Media Workshop.
