Method Fest film focuses on alternative education
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

"Schooled," an 83-minute film screened during this week's Method Fest film festival in Calabasas, trumpets the benefits of alternative education, which is currently a hot topic in the Las Virgenes Unified School District and throughout California.

According to writer/director Brooks Elms, the film is an "earthy character study" revolving around a burned-out public school teacher named Fred who finds redemption in an alternative education setting- - what the filmmaker called a "democratic school."

The "Kids' School" portrayed in the movie requires no tests, no grades and no homework from students. In fact, students, teachers and administrators are equal partners in the creation of all school rules.

Juvenile democracy replaces juvenile delinquency at the school, and Fred reexamines his fundamental beliefs about how children learn, the traditional power hierarchy in typical public schools and his true calling as a teacher.

The plot thickens when Fred learns one of his former students has died from violence. Will Fred return home and face his demons and share his newfound educational approaches with students and administrators?

"As an adult, I discovered these amazing schools that support kids in creating their own existence every hour of the day, every day of the week, and I knew it was part of my life's mission to somehow spread the word about these places," said Elms in his written statement about the film. Elms said the film's theme is conveyed through "intense character study."

"I adore the subtle nuances of human stagnation, and I'm fascinated by growth, no matter how modest," Elms said. "I wanted to make a movie that explored why kids are so awesome, a film that debates the best ways to nurture that awesomeness in kids."

In the Las Virgenes School District, alternative education has been discussed and studied for several years. The issue came into focus this year with the approval of a so-called virtual school, which provides enrollment and dual-credit options for students who want to attend college while they're still in high school. The district also has approved an alternative education elementary school, slated to open in the fall.

"Schooled" had its genesis when Elms was in college in North Carolina. When he found out schools existed where students were supported in their quest to "hang out," Elms said he "felt a deep, kindred spirit" with the movement.

The "Kids' School" was created from a barn in Topanga Canyon.

For further information about private screenings of "Schooled," visit www.brookselms.com/.