The Lottery (1:20)

The Lottery is a documentary filmed in Harlem with a focus on a charter school, Harlem Success and young lottery hopefuls. Four families have entered their children into the lottery in order so their children can start kindergarten at Harlem Success. These parents reject their zoned school as they are failing schools. The film is very similar to the better known counterpart Waiting for Superman. Both documentaries interview some of the same prominent figures, Corey Booker and Geoffrey Canada. The message of both documentaries is the same. Schools are failing and parents in poverty areas need choices. There is also a noticeable anti teacher union message. And yes, being a teacher I am a member of a teacher union (NEA). However, having said that, it is absolutely heartbreaking watching the families during the lottery and seeing the disappointment of these adorable little five year olds not being chosen. We all share in the blame for failing schools, politicians, administrators, teachers, parents, and community members. Let's join together and fix it.