“Waiting for ‘Superman'” (2010) is a documentary directed by Davis Guggenheim that examines the failures of the American public education system. The film follows the stories of five students and their families as they navigate the challenges of accessing quality education, particularly through the lens of charter schools and public school lotteries.

Key themes and points in the documentary include:

1. Failings of Public Schools: The film argues that many public schools, especially in low-income areas, fail to provide a quality education, with high dropout rates and poor academic performance. The documentary explores the idea that systemic issues in the education system, such as bureaucracy and ineffective teachers protected by unions, contribute to these failings.
2. Charter Schools as a Hopeful Alternative: Charter schools are presented as a potential solution to the problems in public education. The documentary highlights how charter schools offer innovative teaching methods and are free from some of the constraints that burden traditional public schools. However, the limited availability of spots in these schools leads to a lottery system, which the film portrays as heartbreaking, as students’ futures hinge on a random draw.
3. Teacher Tenure and Union Power: The film criticizes teacher tenure and union protections, suggesting that these policies make it difficult to remove ineffective teachers, which in turn harms student outcomes. The documentary argues for more accountability and flexibility in the teaching profession to improve education.
4. Personal Stories: The documentary follows five children and their families—Anthony, Daisy, Francisco, Bianca, and Emily—who are trying to escape underperforming schools and secure a better education through charter schools. Their personal stories highlight the emotional toll of the lottery system and the desperation many parents feel as they try to give their children a better future.

Ultimately, “Waiting for ‘Superman'” presents a compelling narrative about the struggles of students in America’s public education system and calls for reforms to ensure that all children have access to quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background.