As viewers follow the two principals and their hundreds of students, they get a glimpse into the uncertain futures of both schools. The struggles at Harvard Park and Nash — and the successes forged by Purcell and Dunbar — lay bare the crises afflicting much of American public education. In these crises, we can see that the futures of millions of public school students, of public education — and of the nation — certainly hang in the balance.
Both principals in The Principal Story stress the importance of parent and family involvement in their child's education. We're curious what experiences POV viewers have had with their local schools across the country. On family night at Harvard Park School, Principal Kerry Purcell says, “We thank you so much for really caring about your children.” When was last time you heard that message from your school? What do you think parents and community members should do to be more involved with improving the education of America's children? What should schools do when families refuse or are unable to be involved? Share your thoughts and stories below in the comments section.
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Independent Producer/Artist
Students need their parents or role models to sit down and read with them. All learning is a discipline and when approached in that manner, favorable results can follow. The first thing that children need to learn, is how to learn on their own. Having an instructor is important but good instruction is not always a reality in many children's lives, for many different reasons. If a child has an interest and can read and write, they can find the instruction somewhere in their community.
It is always a pleasure to see parents involved in their children's education and it is often that these children are ones to succeed in life. It builds confidence and good habits and principles for study. There isn't anything that a well loved child can't do if he/she has the desire and is backed by their loving parents.
Public schools can not teach the children values the way they should be taught by their parents. They can teach them valuable subjects like reading, writing and arithmatic. However, one subject that is not taught today very well in our public schools is the importance of documents like the Constituion and Bill of Rights. Too much emphasis is placed on "social" skills and not enough on American History.
Finally, good instruction and time to grow in the particular subject that they are studying is essential to building on a firm foundation of learning principles. When parents are not involved, they are compromising their child's education regardless of that child's aptitutde. If a parent can not participate for whatever reason, they make arrangements for an aunt or tutor to help. If the parents can not afford a tutor, then the parents should make the time from their own free time in order to establish good study habits for the child. This needs to be done from the outset and as soon as the child strats speaking. For more information, there is a place in Philadelphia called, The Insitutes for Human Achieement and Develpoment which ill give excellent examples. The are brain injured children who make remarkable strides.
by Albert Guidry from New Orleans, Louisiana
September 14, 2009, 8:52 PM
Whole-brain education for international competitiveness
after watching my sons become incredible jazz musicians by being taught to improvise in elementary school and using computer software for at home practice , I developed a curriculum encompassing creative music, math, and second language taught as a time block with self-paced learning using computer software. The school administrators , I guess would rather stay with the same ineffective teaching methods that have been used forever. Hungary has shown music increases math and science abilities. When is this country going to wake up? Tom Bliss
check out youtube/creativecommunitynet and youtube/missionimprovisation
by tom bliss from mattapoisett, mass
September 15, 2009, 11:45 AM
I think that this was a very moving and conflicting story about the perils faced by principals in the quest for better education for our children. Both principals featured were very effective in the interaction with the community. The obstacles faced by the children of poor non-responsive parents makes this a tough job. How long will each principal continue to fight for the kids before opportunity steps in and promotions start a chain of abandonment of the children. Success comes and the kids are still left behind. Do you sacrifice your own personal success for the hope of the future success of the children?
by Bernard from irving, tx
September 16, 2009, 1:00 AM
The Principal's Story
Thank you for taking this story to a very personal level. These two women are heroes.
The children brought tears to my eyes. But the first thing I saw in the film was a lady beginning the school day with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, the National Anthem, and then the real shocker - The African National Anthem. When are American children of any and all colors going to be allowed to simply be Americans?
Why keep telling some children that they are different? What is the expected result?
Hasn't anyone noticed that this separation is not working?
by Gloria Harris from Cedar Mt., nc
September 16, 2009, 1:28 AM
Student Support Leader
What a wonderful portrayal of what kids, teachers and principals face everyday in schools across the country. I felt so affirmed as a public educator. FINALLY people are talking about the REAL issues...which at their roots are not only academic but more importantly social and emotional issues. I loved the walk through idea about how many kids haven't seen their moms, how many incarcerated parents, etc...this is what we face EVERYDAY!
I am in administrative graduate classes, and I just turned in a research paper about this issue. Awesome work. It is so needed.
by Sherry from Springfield, IL
September 16, 2009, 10:47 AM
social care worker-inner circle school services
OMG-i cried so much through the watch of this program. principles kerry and tresa are some of the truly carefulled people i've ever seen in experience of the public school system per this program. i've learned through the viewing that by every account that can be created to reach children at the younger levels before middle and high school-where those kids see a team's energy and effort behind them-including them in the mix to focusing attention on social skill sets taken care of to address emotional needs-sometimes having to diffuse them-so that the skills of math, reading/spelling, so forth-can be absorbed-i'm so all for
..and will do my part-in helping:)
janne w
by janne w from napa, california
September 17, 2009, 11:16 AM
A Principal's Story
As an elementary school principal I was so glad that some of my story was shared in this film, Thank You. What I saw in this film was that it is child by child, teacher by teacher, and family by family process to success. It is the passion of wanting the best for those you work with and those that you serve that pushes and carries you through. As I look back on ten years of working in one school and seeing the gains we as a community have made, I'm tired can't push on. This is the tragedy that weighs on me. I no longer have the drive and commitment to push us on. So I am contemplating leaving a job I love. But the walls get higher and I become more fatigued in the journey. So, please continue to tell the story so other can see the pleasure and the of the wonderful profession.
by Kim L from Los Angeles, CA
September 18, 2009, 1:12 AM
HS Social Studies Teacher
I sat down to work on a lesson plan, but felt like I needed some motivation. I went to PBS in hopes of something like this. I was reminded of the big picture, the background of so many of my students, and of how truly unprepared all of us are to take on the task of raising so many children. Although I think this video depressed me more than it provided any motivation, it was a truly realistic portrayal of what educators go through every day.
by James Boutin from Washington, DC
September 29, 2009, 10:08 PM