Before "Race to Nowhere" Comes to Cranbury, an Interview with Director Vicki Abeles

Race to Nowhere is a groundbreaking documentary that addresses "the dark side of America's achievement culture." The film, which profiles students from elementary school to college age, asks educators, psychologists, college guidance counselors and parents: "What effect is the pressure to excel having on our children?" 

Concerned mother, attorney, and now film director, Vicki Abeles confronts this complex issue head-on. She explores the role education plays in our competitive society and its relationship to children’s emotional and physical health. The film also asks the question, “Is getting into a good college worth the sacrifice—and does it lead to success in later life?”

On Tuesday, Jan. 25, there will be a free screening of Race to Nowhere at . Because there was an unusually large community response to the film, organizers had to move it to the school's large auditorium.

Montclair Patch recently spoke to the California-based director and here’s what she had to say:

Patch: Can you describe any changes that have come about, specifically in our area, as a result of your film?

Abeles: I know there have been some changes in the homework policy in Ridgewood (public schools). After the screening I heard that the Superintendent issued a directive regarding homework.

Patch: What other changes have you heard about?

Abeles: I was in touch with a school today. This particular school had built into its schedule late-start and early dismissal days. They’ve added retreats. They’re still addressing their homework policy but we’ve seen schools that have moved to no homework. We’ve seen schools that have restructured their policies. This is inspiring to me.

Patch: Do you know of any schools that are able to achieve the kind of success you envision?

Abeles: There’s a school in Washington DC called the “School for Tomorrow.” The ideals in schools like that are the ones I wish we could implement. There’s also a great book on the subject called, Catching Up or Leading the Way?

Patch: In the film there was a lot of discussion about the toll excessive homework takes on students, both physically and mentally. 

Abeles:  Well, we have labor laws, right? We wouldn’t allow children to work at a job for as many hours as they spend at school and doing homework.

Patch: Besides assigning less homework, what other educational modifications do you feel are necessary to improve the quality of students’ lives?

Abeles: There’s an education reform conversation going on right now. In today’s paradigm the only ones who are being listened to are the people who have a one-size-fits-all approach. Individualizing education rather than standardizing it is where we need to go.

It’s up to schools to make these decisions. There are schools that have eliminated AP classes all together (because) it allows teachers to dig deeper rather than teaching a large volume of information in a short amount of time. (An interview subject in the film states that students in accelerated classes are being taught material “a mile wide and an inch deep.”)

Patch: The film makes the point that “teaching to the test” suppresses individuality and freedom on the part of the teachers and rewards rote memorization skills in students. This practice, you say, discourages out-of-the-box creative thinking.

Abeles: Students learn how to game the system. We hear that across the board, from doctors to lawyers to Silicon Valley. Our test-driven system doesn’t serve children or society. It hasn’t led to developing problem solvers, creative thinkers or people who are willing to take risks.

Patch: What have you noticed has been the outcome of our present system, in terms of college and career success?

Abeles: We’ve had 30 or 40 colleges, universities and employers screen the film – employers like Pixar, Google and the NY Times. They’re seeing the long-term impact of the way we’re educating our children. They're having to retrain a whole new generation to think (independently).

Patch: One of the main points of discussion in the film is the physical and emotional effects of stress. Some of the children profiled reacted to the pressure by developing health problems and self-destructive behaviors. Some dropped out of “the race” all together. One committed suicide.

Abeles: This (race) is taking a toll, in terms of (children’s) health and in terms of their preparation for college and the workplace. It’s not working out for anyone.

Patch: What would you recommend parents do?

Abeles: I think the film is helping parents see what matters. Parents can do a lot.

Patch: Such as?

Abeles: One of the best things we can do as parents is protect sleep. Health is so important. Without that, none of this matters. Also, when your kids come in the door, don’t make them feel like they’re being measured. It’s important to allow them the opportunity to make mistakes. I tell parents all the time, ‘Don’t talk to your kids about college until junior year.’

Patch: What would you say to parents who are afraid that taking pressure off kids would make them less competitive, and possibly risk their acceptances at top-level colleges?

Abeles:  I would say, stop being so afraid. Honor their strengths and give them some breathing room. Parents should be more afraid of the unhealthy outcomes (of so much pressure.) I tell students all the time, the name of your school doesn’t define your long-term success.

Patch: You’ve said that you were driven to make this film after your own daughter wound up in the emergency room with stress-related symptoms.

Abeles: Yes. (Now) my kids are not feeling anxiety or pressure at home. They know they’re valued (for who they are). My daughter is really enjoying her high school years. Someone who enjoys learning for learning’s sake is the person who’s going to enjoy their high school years and do well in college. That’s what it’s all about. We (parents) don’t want to take that away from them.

Patch: “Race to Nowhere” has generated a lot of attention nationwide. What do you attribute to its success?

 Abeles: Everywhere we go people tell us they’re hearing their stories in the film. 

 Patch: The fact that you were able to tap into something that is so important to so many people is remarkable.  Has there been any Oscar talk?

Abeles: We qualified for lots of awards, including Oscars, but we didn’t get on the short list. We’re getting the press coverage anyway. We need to shine a light on these issues. This is a nationwide issue.  A global issue. We’re now screening this film in foreign countries. This would be a good issue for the president to start taking on.

Patch: So you feel the film has the power to bring about significant long-term change.

Abeles: The film is helping people to start forming alliances and becoming advocates for change. It’s helping to reshape the way people see education and childhood. It’s a great resource for schools looking to move in a different direction.

Patch: Are you able to see positive affect on families as a result of these screenings?

Abeles: One of the hidden values is that this opens up a dialogue between parents and kids. I think it’s important for students and parents to see the film together. I believe the students themselves will tell us what we need to do. But it takes courage to make it happen. It’s not going to be the experts that make the change. It’s going to be ordinary people.

The public is invited to see the Race to Nowhere at , 23 North Main Street, on Saturday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are free but limited. For more information, call 925-310-4242, or visit the website to register for tickets.