Films and post-film discussions that examine the relationship of learning, passion and purpose in our society. 

• CHOPS (Aug 8 ) -  Synopsis: Each year Jazz at Lincoln Center hosts the prestigious Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival, a competition of the absolute best high school jazz bands from across the country. Inspired by the entire community of jazz musicians, the students humbly recognize the honor of carrying on the legacy of the masters. Discussion: What inspires kids to do amazing things? What learning environments are most conducive to extraordinary achievement? What activities should we be steering kids toward in our curricula?

 

• HAPPY (Aug 15) – Synopsis: Does money make you happy? Kids and family? Your work? Do you live in a world that values and promotes happiness and well-being? Taking us from the bayous of Louisiana to the deserts of Namibia, from the beaches of Brazil to the villages of Okinawa, HAPPY explores the secrets behind our most valued emotion.  Discussion: What is the purpose of schooling? How can schools leverage social and emotional well-being into greater academic achievement? What is the role of the emerging field of positive psychology on education policy?

 

• FINDING JOE (Aug 22) – Synopsis: An exploration of Joseph Campbell’s studies dubbed The Hero’s Journey: the challenges, the fears, the dragons, the battles, and the return home as a changed person. FINDING JOE shows how Campbell’s work is relevant and essential today and how it provides a narrative for how to live a fully realized life—or as Campbell would state, how to “follow your bliss.”  Discussion: In what ways can Campbell’s philosophy be applied to education? What might “follow your bliss” look like in school? How can we make school a place that explicitly teaches students to face their fears?

 

• THE LOTTERY (Aug 29) -  Synopsis: In a country where 58% of African American 4th graders are functionally illiterate, THE LOTTERY uncovers the failures of the traditional public school system and reveals that hundreds of thousands of parents attempt to flee the system every year for charter schools and the chance of a better future. Discussion: What might be an effective strategy moving forward in educating socioeconomically disadvantaged young people? What is an appropriate role for charter schools? Why has change proven to be so difficult and what steps can be taken to overcome these challenges?

Series happens at SIFF Film Center at 7pm each night. 

Admission is free, but capacity is limited.  Email RSVPLearning@seattlecenter.org in advance to reserve your seat.