"Race to Nowhere" Highlights Stressed, Overscheduled Students

Pleasanton parents flocked to Amador Theater on Wednesday night for the first showing of the popular documentary "Race to Nowhere." 

The film, which was was produced by Lafayette filmmaker Vick Abeles, is a rallying cry to reform society's overly structured, test-centered, resume-building approach to education.

interviews parents, students, teachers and experts about their experiences and points out that the current system produces "disengaged, depressed and burned-out" kids. 

For Mary Soble, a Pleasanton parent of three children ages 11, 9 and 6, the film resonated deeply.

"I felt very strongly that we need to have more balance for our children," she said. "I'm not saying we have to totally forget about homework, but I think we need to have balance."

The screening was sponsored by the City of Pleasanton, the Pleasanton Unified School District and Child Care Links.

Screenings in the East Bay have attracted hundreds of parents. The two showings in Pleasanton Wednesday and tonight have been sold out for weeks. 

Kevin Johnson, director of pupil services for the district, called the event an "opportunity" to begin a community discussion.

"Every time you watch this film, you see something new," he said. 

The screenings come as the is asking whether too much homework is being assigned.

The district will host a series of forums in which parents and students can discuss whether changes need to be made to Pleasanton's homework policy.

A survey administered last school year asked teachers, parents and students whether too much or not enough homework is assigned.

Results show that a majority of parents at all grade levels think too much homework is being given to students. Parents also say that in middle and high schools there is little coordination between departments regarding the timing of major tests, projects and assignments and that students are bombarded with loads of homework. 

The following events will discuss and explore ways to deal to with the stresses and pressures facing teens. 

• Dec. 8 - Parent Education Night on teen stress, depression and recovery, Amador Valley High School library, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
• Jan. 27 - Homework Forum for elementary school, Hearst Elementary multipurpose room, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
• Feb. 2 - Homework Forum for middle school, Pleasanton Middle School multipurpose room, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
• Feb. 9 - Homework Forum for high school, Amador Valley High School multipurpose room, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
• March 31 - "Resiliency in Action"— Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, pediatrician, Amador Valley High School library, 7 - 8:30 p.m.