Petersburg rising : investing in children's education : lifting an entire community / a film by Alan M. Blankstein, The National Center for Education and Innovation ; in association with Virginia Public Media ; produced by Alan M. Blankstein ; directed by Alan M. Blankstein, David Yosha.
Publisher:
Video Project,
Copyright Date:
2021
Description:
1 videodisc (57 minutes) : sound, color ; 4 3/4 in.
Title from title screen. Subtitle from container. On-screen participants include: "Mayor" Stewart, Lois Long, Adrian Dance, Roger Gregory, Dan Domenech, Rosalyn Dance, Anne Bright Holton, Bill Hazel, Samuel Parham, Thaddeus Huff, Steven Staples, Marcus Newsome.
Summary:
"Petersburg, VA was once home to the largest free black community in America, and fell into financial ruin a century later, after a major corporation pulled up stakes. For more than a decade following, schools in Petersburg struggled, failed, and even lacked basic accreditation. Students dropped out in large numbers and faced tough times at home in one of the state's most impoverished communities. It looked to be all too common American story of economic boom-to-bust, until an extraordinary group of leaders entered the picture to turn the tide by investing in children and their education. Petersburg, Virginia was to be a new model for the state, and perhaps the nation. When Dr. Marcus Newsome announced his retirement as superintendent from a neighboring wealthy, successful school district in order to act on his second doctorate in divinity, he was asked if he would instead consider running the poorest, lowest performing school district in the state. Upon taking on the superintendency of Petersburg City Public Schools in 2016, the move was equated to 'Michael Jordan coming out of retirement' by a school board member. Yet the challenges ahead remained enormous. Petersburg was millions of dollars in debt with the district near default on teacher paychecks. Hope was missing in the city. Petersburg Rising is a story told through the struggles and triumphs of students followed throughout one school year. The film proves that new results come with new resources and support, and that ultimately, there are no 'throw away' kids, only kids being 'thrown away'"-- Container.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.