Produced by Black Public Media, this PBS-aired series offers an insider's look at a full school year for students at metal-detector-greeting Washington Metropolitan High School, aka DC Met. Divided over four hour-long segments, 180 Days is told from the perspective of dedicated staff—including staunch and energetic Principal Tanishia Williams Minor—and five captivating seniors who hope to be part of the alternative school's first graduating class, where 97 percent of the students are economically disadvantaged. The documentary looks at numerous struggles, including trying to boost enrollment (more students = more much-needed funding), combating truancy, the widespread absence of foundational skills (such as reading or basic math), troubled home lives, behavioral problems, and studying for the dreaded CAS (Comprehensive Assessment System) testing—the results of which threaten jobs. However, 180 Days also spotlights the lighter side of the high school experience, such as basketball and cheerleading squads, college applications and acceptance, parent night, prom, and a special graduation event at Union Station. Also serving up relevant statistics and newspaper quotes, DVD extras include PDF discussion guides. An informative, thought-provoking, and poignant slice-of-life glimpse into education in our nation's capital, this is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Williams-Wood)
180 Days: A Year Inside an American High School
(2013) 240 min. DVD: 2 discs, $29.99 ($59.95 w/PPR). PBS Home Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-60883-885-1. Volume 28, Issue 5
180 Days: A Year Inside an American High School
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