A Hollywood film called "Won't Back Down," about a single mother determined to get her daughter out of a failing public elementary school, was shown at the DNC but not without controversy and trepidation.
In the film, the single mom teams up with others to turn the failing school into a charter school and the teachers union fights against reforms, such as greater teacher accountability and more school choice.
According to reports, President Obama's team did not want to sign off on a screening for delegates so it passed the decision onto the DNC. Some speculate that the reason was that teachers unions, supporters of the Democratic Party, are outraged over the movie.
Randi Weingarten, president of the AFT, is in Charlotte for the convention. She issued a statement saying "the movie resorts to falsehoods and anti-union stereotypes" and that there are "several egregiously misleading scenes with the sole purpose of undermining people's confidence in public education, public school teachers and teachers unions."
Educators 4 Excellence, a New York based group of teachers, said that Hollywood has taken some liberties with the topic but the movie does offer some productive dialogue. Founder Sydney Morris said that the film does high light the "complex relationship between teachers and parents" and shows the power of good teachers.
Working moms with young children may be always strapped for time, energy and money. But Gwyneth Paltrow has a solution that worked for her — and might work for you: modeling.
Working moms with young children may be always strapped for time, energy and money. But Gwyneth Paltrow has a solution that worked for her — and might work for you: modeling.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:05 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:05:21 GMT
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z."
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z." Pitt stunned the crowd at the Clearview Cinemas when he walked in just before the start of the special screening.
President Barack Obama is showing singer-songwriter Carole King that she has friends at the White House.
President Barack Obama, saluting Carole King's five decades as an award-winning singer-songwriter, said Wednesday that music often is a place where people seek comfort and inspiration during trying times.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:11 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:11:03 GMT
Spy thriller 'The East' is the latest creation from actor, writer and producer Brit Marling. Marling plays a former FBI agent alongside Ellen Page. Both stars make a stop in the Good Day studios on Wednesday.
Spy thriller 'The East' is the latest creation from actor, writer and producer Brit Marling. Marling plays a former FBI agent alongside Ellen Page. Both stars make a stop in the Good Day studios on Wednesday.
Buh-bye bad combover! Hello, bald head! Christian Bale was nearly unrecognizable when he landed at Los Angeles Intl. Airport on Sunday sporting a beard and a bald head.
Buh-bye bad combover! Hello, bald head! Christian Bale was nearly unrecognizable when he landed at Los Angeles Intl. Airport on Sunday sporting a beard and a bald head.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:50:04 GMT
Heavy downpours sparked flash flooding across the tristate area on Thursday. The National Weather Service issued numerous weather alerts for many counties in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Heavy downpours sparked flash flooding across the tristate area on Thursday. The National Weather Service issued numerous weather alerts for many counties in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:42 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:42:40 GMT
The Bronx Zoo has unveiled its animatronics dinosaur exhibit. The exhibit, called Dinosaur Safari, is something different from the zoo, which is better known for its exhibits of living animals. The ride
The Bronx Zoo has unveiled its exhibit of animatronics. The exhibit, called Dinosaur Safari, is something different from the zoo, which is better known for its exhibits of living animals.
Thursday, May 23 2013 6:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 22:20:11 GMT
Former Rep. Anthony Weiner launched his campaign for mayor of New York City this week, but his website seems to indicate he is running for office in Pittsburgh. The stylized and colorized image used in
Former Rep. Anthony Weiner launched his campaign for mayor of New York City this week, but his website seems to indicate he is running for office in Pittsburgh. The stylized and colorized image used in
Thursday, May 23 2013 3:18 PM EDT2013-05-23 19:18:28 GMT
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:43 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:43:15 GMT
Kerry Kennedy has joined farmworkers protesting outside Wendy's shareholder meeting in Manhattan.
Kerry Kennedy has joined farmworkers protesting outside Wendy's shareholder meeting in Manhattan. The protesters said Thursday they want Wendy's to sign an agreement to safeguard working conditions for Florida tomato pickers.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:55:29 GMT
A $1,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two men seen running to and away from a homicide scene Tuesday night in Camden.
A $1,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two men seen running to and away from a homicide scene Tuesday night in Camden.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:07:03 GMT
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police.
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police. The incident Monday night involved two men, who police say, had met at the Bowery Mission and went out drinking together in the East Village. Roman Gornell, 39, was arrested on Wednesday.
