The Long View
The Long View brings forward the work of community organizing, a process in which people come together over a shared interest to build collective power and influence change, as one of the most effective ways people without wealth can exercise power to improve their public schools—and sustain that improvement over time. There is a lot of media attention paid to what isn’t working in public schools, but not enough to looking at what conditions create high-functioning public schools or the systemic factors that contribute to struggling schools.
Please find an introduction to the film, as well as the trailer, Screening Guide and Vimeo link for the full film below:
One of the most common unifiers of people all over the world is the desire for a good education. Parents and guardians want this for the children in their lives, and young people want this for themselves as soon as they are old enough to appreciate its worth. Many countries, including Denmark, Finland, England, France, Australia, and Canada constitutionally guarantee the right to a free public education. In the U.S., however, the public education system too often perpetuates inequalities, based on race and class.
The Long View provides a look at two public high schools in the same East Oakland neighborhood. One is a high-functioning school where educators, parents, community members, and administrators came together with a vision and have worked to sustain it; and another, where these conditions are not present. The film sets this story within the context of race and class, where residents in the more affluent—and predominantly white—Oakland hills have been able to control the circumstances of their children’s education to a far greater degree than those without political and social power. Both communities care deeply about education. The differences are in circumstances and resources—not in desire. The Long View, however, is a story of hope. No one gives up in this film, and through this persistence we see a pathway towards positive change.
Watch the full film on Vimeo
Download the Screening Guide
The story in The Long View of one community’s sustained effort to transform its schools is not unique to Oakland, California. Throughout the country, parents and students are partnering with educators to create and advance a shared vision for high-quality schools.
