Hollywood Sees Good In Education

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Ross Brenneman in his Education Week blog cites some of Hollywood's well intentioned education movies of 2012, those that shed a positive light on school climate.

"Monsieur Lazhar," a fine film, is about an Algerian immigrant living in Montreal who has been hired to replace a teacher who has committed suicide. "21 Jump Street," is a comedy about two undercover cops who are investigating drug trafficking at their old public school. No longer are football players and cheerleaders role models.

Another comedy, "Here Comes the Boom," revolves around a public school teacher who becomes a prize fighter to save extra-curricular activities from being cut.

Also cited is "The Perks of Being A Wallflower," as perhaps this generation's "Catcher in the Rye," a film that makes a case for good school counseling, dealing with emotional and physical abuse and the stigma attached to gay teenagers.

In my book, "Stand and Deliver," a winning 1988 film, is the best and Brennemen likes it, too.