As a leader in educational media for children and students and a key partner with parents and educators across America, PBS today announced SPOTLIGHT EDUCATION, a special week of primetime programming examining the challenges facing today’s students and America’s education system.
SPOTLIGHT EDUCATION features eleven films and documentaries on local PBS stations September 12-17 (check local listings) and includes special episodes of NOVA, FRONTLINE and PBS NEWHOUR, films from INDEPENDENT LENS and POV, a new TED TALKS, “The Education Revolution,” and concludes with the 5th annual AMERICAN GRADUATE DAY, a special broadcast celebrating individuals and non-profit organizations dedicated to helping youth stay on track to high school graduation.
SPOTLIGHT EDUCATION also kicks-off of a year-long teacher support campaign—“Teach Boldly”—led by PBS and local member stations across the country. The “Teach Boldly” teacher appreciation initiative will include a series of virtual and community training events and the launch of the new PBS Teachers’ Lounge, a creative digital space where teachers can share ideas, learn from peers, find daily inspiration and access the tools and resources they need to enhance their work in the classroom.
SPOTLIGHT EDUCATION is funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) as part of American Graduate: Let’s Make it Happen, a long-term public media initiative to help all students graduate from high school ready for college and careers.
“SPOTLIGHT EDUCATION highlights public media’s focus on education and our role in convening conversations around how to improve outcomes for students,” said Paula Kerger, President and CEO, PBS. “With special on-air programming and resources to support teachers, PBS and our local stations are committed to supporting education—at home, in the classroom and in communities.”
“Public media is committed to providing Americans of all ages with commercial-free educational content, free through local PBS member stations,” said Pat Harrison, President and CEO, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. “SPOTLIGHT EDUCATION highlights the importance of the work of local stations working in partnership with more than 1,700 community and business organizations through the American Graduate Initiative to help young people move toward graduation and career success.”
Short-form and full episodes from the week, interactive content modules and a social hub for SPOTLIGHT EDUCATION will be available on PBS.org and Americangraduate.org. In addition, previews, clips and full episodes will be available on the PBS apps for iOS and Android devices and via station-branded digital platforms. For updates on the programming, follow #SpotlightEduPBS and #amgrad on Twitter.