Drawing From the Well Documentary Screening

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

This documentary is directly connected to AERA’s theme of 2023 by exploring the truth of schooling, its history, its functions, and its impact on youth wellness. The documentary explores these uncomfortable truths by centering the voices and truths of young people, their families, and educators. By centering the voices of those often underrepresented and excluded from educational discourse and decision-making, the documentary reveals the role that schools play in young people’s (un)wellness and conversely, the role that education could potentially play in supporting the wellness of young people-- if we prioritize it. Given the realities illuminated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ramifications of ignoring youth wellness are too consequential to ignore- there is an urgency to be present with timely conversations, and to act now. Here is a synopsis:

The deteriorating state of wellness among our nation’s youth is a brewing health crisis hidden in plain sight. The narrow focus on academic performance continues to neglect vital aspects of youth development. We’ve collectively accepted this status quo and have allowed the negative impacts such as self-doubt, depression and other forms of trauma to amplify over time. Now, more than ever, we must summon the courage to challenge the outdated foundations our school systems were built upon and find ways to integrate wellness into a new form of curriculum.
Our film examines the challenges students experience in the educational system through the lens of 2 youths – each in different parts of their educational paths. Through their journey, we get an intimate understanding of the beauty of their individuality & natural talents. We also see how their inspirations, motivations, and goals are met with systemic friction within an antiquated school system.
Our understanding of the gap between youth wellness and today’s school system is deepened by integrated conversations with education leaders that are pushing to course correct and innovate how we care for our students. By embracing the reality of our current state and consequences if unattended, we reveal the opportunities to make meaningful and scalable change that can steer us in a hopeful direction.

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Chair

• Tiffani Marie, San Jose State University

Participants

• Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales, San Francisco State University

• Sharim Hannegan-Martinez, University of Michigan