We recently discovered this terrific review of GO PUBLIC by Library Journal.

“This film is the exciting result of the Go Public Project, which sent 50 filmmakers into 28 schools in the Pasadena, CA, School District on the same day to capture the life of an American school system. The cameras address 50 members of the school community, from administrators to volunteers, resulting in 50 short films. The individual elements were then well edited into Go Public, which records every aspect of the district’s life. The project succeeds in its objective to clear up misconceptions about what happens in American schools. Pasadena was chosen because it includes a richly diverse student body, dedicated personnel, programs for the learning disabled as well as for gifted students, extracurricular activities, and a large number of services for students, parents, and community members. The district also has its share of problems. Viewers see a Board of Education meeting and a vote to eliminate more than a score of positions, among them librarians, teachers, guidance counselors, and school psychologists. VERDICT An eye-opening and engaging look at contemporary education that realistically reveals its successes and its troubles. Purchase for school and public library collections serving those members of the community with a stake in education.”—ERNEST JAEGER, FORMERLY WITH NORTH PLAINFIELD PUB. SCHS., NJ