Whose Children Are They?

“Whose Children Are They?” is a gripping 2022 documentary that gives viewers a unique glimpse into today's contentious public education landscape in America. The movie stars Corey DeAngelis, Deborah Flora, and Rebecca Friedrichs, bringing together compelling narratives and revealing interviews that explore the rights and roles of parents, educators, and the state in shaping the education of children.

The central figure and narrator, Corey DeAngelis, is a leading voice in American education policy and an unflinching advocate for the concept of school choice. His role in the film is to guide viewers through the complicated dynamics at play in the modern education scene, elucidating various perspectives and interests that must be balanced to form an equitable, efficient, and effective education system.

Deborah Flora, the second main figure in the film, is the founder of Parents United America and a fearless advocate for the rights and concerns of parents. She contributes a significant voice to the conversation, providing real-life accounts and expert insights that underscore the crucial role of parents in the educational journey of their children. Given the ongoing debates about parental involvement and influence in schools, Flora's contributions provide a robust and necessary understanding of this perspective.

Rebecca Friedrichs represents the voice of the educator in the film. As an experienced public school teacher and vocal critic of teacher unions' practices, Friedrichs provides a unique and nuanced perspective. Her perspective gives viewers a firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by educators in public schools, and the sometimes-chequered relationship between the faculty and decision-making bodies.

“Whose Children Are They?” primarily operates as an extensive discourse on the complex and fraught relationship between parents and the public education system. The film delves into the recent controversies and public outcry about contentious classroom topics, how they're instructed, and who gets to decide on the content of education. These disagreements, the film argues, point to a more profound, systemic issue, which is the perceived imbalance of power between parents, educators, and the government in shaping the education of children.

The film poses important, often difficult, questions: Who is responsible for deciding what children learn? How much agency should parents have in shaping their child's education? Are educators being manipulated or even oppressed by the system? And, presiding over all these questions, the film asks: Just whose children are they?

Packed with insightful interviews, firsthand accounts, and comprehensive examinations of current laws and policies, the film serves as an in-depth exploration of these difficult questions. Through its journey, it aims to provide viewers with a new understanding of the public education landscape, encouraging a discussion about the future of education policy in America and how it might be redesigned to better serve parents, students, and teachers.

However, it's important to note that “Whose Children Are They?” does not aim to provide easy answers or propose a one-size-fits-all solution to these problems. Instead, it sets the stage for ongoing discussion, presenting these issues in a way that encourages viewers to reflect on their ideas about public education and consider other viewpoints.

The film also kindles hope for the future, showcasing innovative approaches and alternatives to conventional public schooling. Throughout the narrative, emphasis is placed on the demand for a more balanced model where power is dispersed equitably among the three main stakeholders—educators, parents, and the state.

The guiding philosophy of the movie, the belief in the need for school choice, is thus woven into the narrative, illuminated by the primary subjects – Corey DeAngelis', Deborah Flora's, and Rebecca Friedrichs' lived experiences and expertise.

Engaging, thought-provoking, and unafraid to tackle intricate political and social issues, “Whose Children Are They?” not only shines a light on the problems plaguing the American public education system but also opens up a conversation about possible solutions. The film's exploration of these weighty topics is far-reaching, comprehensive, and grounded, making it a must-watch for anyone invested in the future of education in the United States.