Epiphany in Progress

Concerned that their students were slipping through the cracks, a Boston group of educators, parents, clergy, and community members opened a private Episcopal middle school for low-income children to attend free of charge in 1998. Michal Goldman's Epiphany in Progress chronicles that first year at Epiphany School, as the filming crew records the experiences of teachers, administrators, students, and parents. With classes limited to 10 students each--instructed by a mix of certified teachers, interns, and volunteers--Epiphany's highly structured day begins at 8 a.m. and concludes with a two-hour homework lab at 8 p.m. Exploring the many challenges that public and private schools face--including issues related to economic class, race, and budget--this is a good program for anyone concerned about education, especially those working in charter or private schools or people and organizations considering starting their own school. Also available at the same price in an “educator's version” with built-in pauses for discussion, this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (L. Stevens)