As parent backlash grows in response to unnecessary standardized testing and excessive homework, more and more families in the U.S. are turning to alternative methods of instruction to ensure that their children receive a well rounded education, free of a high stakes, pressurized environment focused on test scores over individual achievement.
One of these growing alternative educational movements is homeschooling, often still seen as controversial to some, and the even more poorly misunderstood related method known as unschooling.
No formal numbers exist to illustrate the number of families homeschooling or unschooling in Illinois, but a quick glance at the growing number of offerings and partnerships that Chicago area arts organizations and cultural institutions continue to make available to homeschoolers speaks volumes.
Wisely, these organizations and many private businesses are realizing the advantage of working with a growing population of eager learners whose schedule may make them available at off hours of the day, while school children may be unavailable.
A new film highlighting this growing trend of education is Class Dismissed, a documentary directed by Jeremy Stuart and co-produced by Stuart and Dustin Woodard. Having made its debut in October of this past year, the film has screened in theaters to several sold out audiences in over 20 cities in the U.S. and internationally, most recently coming off a 3 screening run in New Zealand. A large number of private screenings have also taken place throughout the nation.
The film had its first showing in the Chicago area in January of this year. It returns to Chicago with a single screening this Sunday at noon at the historic Patio Theater.
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Adults are $10. Kids 17 and under are $5
For more information or to purchase tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1273824
View a trailer of the film here:
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