Schools That Change Communities

Director Bob Gliner's absorbing documentary about schools that incorporate community-based activities in the curriculum includes brainstorm-spurring stories from teachers, students, and residents. At Crellin Elementary School in Maryland, children receive hands-on experience in projects related to stream studies (which are polluted due to acid mine damage in the Appalachians), a playground makeover, and tree planting. At the Young Achievers Science and Math Pilot in Mattapan (near Boston), urban kids learn about civic engagement and farm/orchard systems, and produce their own radio show. In Howard, SD, teens unhappy about the lack of entertainment talk with the 27-year-old mayor about options for keeping their money local. Also looking at projects at the nonprofit career skills center Aprovecho and alternative Kennedy High School in Cottage Grove, OR, as well as a venture for making documentary shorts at the Watsonville High School Video Academy near Silicon Valley, Schools That Change Communities serves up solid examples of collaborative projects that produce real-life local benefits. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Williams-Wood)