A free showing of the 2013 documentary “Rise Above the Mark” will be presented at the Columbus Learning Center.
The film, narrated by actor Peter Coyote, showcases some of the struggles that Indiana’s public education system faces. But the issues aren’t unique only to Indiana — they’re issues impacting the country, according to the documentary.
“Rise Above the Mark” will be shown at 6 p.m. March 11 at the Columbus Learning Center, followed by a group discussion. Admission is free and the screening is open to the public, but reservations are requested. To reserve a spot, email walcottc@iupuc.edu.
The screening is coming to Columbus after Columbus North High School math teacher Dale Nowlin decided to donate his leftover campaign funds toward bringing the film here. Nowlin had an unsuccessful run for state representative last fall. Nowlin said he wanted the funds to go toward an issue that he and many constituents were concerned about — support for public education.
“It made sense to me to invest in something about public education,” Nowlin said.
The film addresses issues including high stakes standardized testing, school vouchers, charter schools and school funding in Indiana.
Nowlin reached out to Chris Walcott, associate education professor at IUPUC, to see if she would be interested in partnering on the presentation.
“Too often things like this become partisan issues, but public education is not a partisan issue,” Nowlin said, describing why he chose to partner with Walcott and the IUPUC Center for Teaching and Learning.
“Rise Above the Mark” features interviews with education experts including former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education Diane Ravitch and president and CEO of the National Center on Education and the Economy, Marc Tucker. An Indiana school district also makes a special appearance.
Nowlin said he hopes viewers will gain more information about issues facing public education not only in Indiana, but across the nation where education issues continue to make headlines.
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What: The documentary "Rise Above the Mark"
When: 6 p.m. March 11
Where: Columbus Learning Center, 4555 Central Ave.
How much: Free and open to the public
Reservations requested: Email walcottc@iupuc.edu
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