Documentary Explores NCLB's Impact on Curriculum

In "Democracy Left Behind,"  award-winning documentary filmmaker Bob Gliner examines the impact of NCLB on the ability of schools to serve a civic mission -- demonstrating how difficult it is now for many students to understand what their education means in the larger context of the society and world they inhabit.

Joel Packer, NEA Director of Education Policy and Practice and a widely recognized expert on the No Child Left Behind law, is among those interviewed for the production.

He said, "Anyone concerned about the future of our democratic society and our public schools should watch 'Democracy left Behind.' It exposes the devastating impact the No Child Left Behind law has had by narrowing the curriculum for our children."

NEA is urging members to ask their local PBS station to air the program, which already has been broadcast by several PBS stations. In making the request you will need to provide your local station with this information: Democracy Left Behind 1/60, NETA Feed: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 @1400-1500/ET/513 NOLA#DCLB 000K1)

Copies of the film on DVD also can be purchased through the "Democracy Left Behind" Web site, which also includes a number of reviews.