As the debate over the state of America's public school system rages on, one thing everyone agrees on is the need for great teachers. Yet, while research proves that teachers are the most important school factor in a child's future success, America's teachers are so woefully underpaid that almost a third must divide their time between a second job in order to make a living. Chronicling the stories of four teachers in different areas of the country, American Teacher reveals the frustrating realities of today's educators, the difficulty of attracting talented new teachers, and why so many of our best teachers feel forced to leave the profession altogether. But this wake-up call to our system's failings also looks at possibilities for reform. Can we re-value teaching in the United States and turn it into a prestigious, financially attractive and competitive profession? With almost half of American teachers leaving the field in the next five years, now is the time to find out.
Data—arguably the world’s most valuable asset—is being weaponized to wage cultural and political wars. The dark world of data exploitation is uncovered through the unpredictable, personal journeys of players on different sides of the explosive Cambridge Analytica/Facebook data story.
Robert Redford, Meryl Streep and Tom Cruise star in "Lions for Lambs," a powerful and gripping story that digs behind the news, the politics and a nation divided to explore the human consequences of a complicated war.
Directed by Academy Award® winner Robert Redford, the story begins after two determined students at a West Coast University, Arian (Derek Luke) and Ernest (Michael Pena), follow the inspiration of their idealistic professor, Dr. Malley (Redford), and attempt to do something important with their lives. But when the two make the bold decision to join the battle in Afghanistan, Malley is both moved and distraught. Now, as Arian and Ernest fight for survival in the field, they become the string that binds together two disparate stories on opposite sides of America. In California, an anguished Dr. Malley attempts to reach a privileged but disaffected student (Andrew Garfield) who is the very opposite of Arian and Ernest. Meanwhile, in Washington D.C. the charismatic Presidential hopeful, Senator Jasper Irving (Cruise), is about to give a bombshell story to a probing TV journalist (Streep) that may affect Arian and Ernest's fates. As arguments, memories and bullets fly, the three stories are woven ever more tightly together, revealing how each of these Americans has a profound impact.
Cast: Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, Michael Pena, Derek Luke
Directed by: Robert Redford
Having survived in the deadly arena of the Hunger Games, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) not only has got enough gumption to win the victory, but also makes the authorities to recognize the double win of her and her fellow Peeta (Josh Hutcherson). Having returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games, the champions are soon to embark on a “Victor’s Tour” in the twelve districts of Panem, which are under control of ruthless Capitol’s President Snow (Donald Sutherland).
However, although officially recognized, victory with hindsight does not satisfy every one, far from it. Contrary to President’s Snow expectations, the victory of Katniss and Peeta doesn’t strengthen his power in the spheres of influence. Panem is transfixed with horror, but an uprising is in the air. Katniss soon becomes a symbol of simmering rebellion and hope for a better future. Feeling alarmed, Capitol’s President decides that the best way to bring everything back to track is to force Peeta and Katniss, now in love, into the Arena once again and to get rid of both of them in case of success. The President announces the special Hunger Games (the Quarter Quell) for the winners of the last 25 games who are supposed to be much stronger than the last year’s teen champions.
Forced into the Arena, Katniss must once again demonstrate her artfulness and win to save herself and the ones she loves. Unfortunately, the Fortune seems to turn against her… Will the strong-willed girl accept her fate with resignation, or will she struggle against the system to the last breath? Find all the answers in the dynamic movie full of unexpected plot twists, passions, adventures and dangers.
“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” opens on November 22.