Flunked

Plot

Flunked studies the decline in the United States public education system: Results of national and international educational aptitude tests show that the average American student is unable to compete academically with students in other countries. Success rates have fallen, and remediation and dropout rates are skyrocketing, especially among minority students. The film explores some successes in the education system.

The first 20 minutes review many of the problems of the US public education system. It reviews some of the schools in the 2000s nationwide that were gaining high results in preparing students for college, based on high test scores. Their graduates seemed prepared to work and compete in tomorrow's economy. The documentary shows education alternatives, including charter schools and reform options for fixing troubled public schools.

Cast

Reception

Flunked won Best Documentary at the San Fernando Valley International Film Festival in Los Angeles, Best Educational Documentary at the Bayou City Inspirational Film Festival in Houston, the Award of Merit from the Accolade Competition, and the first ever SPNovation Award.