The providence effect

The Providence Effect is a 2009 film documentary about an inner city school on the west side of Chicago. The film documents the transformation of Providence-St. Mel, a school on the west side of Chicago, from a typical inner city school to a top tier institution. A Dinosaurs of the Future documentary, the film was directed by Rollin Binzer, produced by Julie Esch Hurvis, Tom Hurvis and Rollin Binzer.
The film runs 92 minutes and is rated PG for some mild thematic elements.
Tagline
The Amazing Story of an inner-city school.
Credits
* Executive Producer -- Julie Esch Hurvis
* Produced by -- Tom Hurvis & Rollin Binzer
* Co-Producer -- Joey Dedio
* Counseling Producer -- Donald A. Johnson
* Editor -- Richard La Porta
* Music -- Tom Dumont & Ted Matson
* Production Manager -- Marsha S. Clesceri
* Director of Photography -- Robert Tutman
* Camera -- Siobhan O’Sullivan
* Sound -- Jacob Collins
* Director -- Rollin Binzer
Synopsis
The Providence Effect is the story of an individual man, the inner city Chicago school he founded, and the student lives the school has changed and saved. The school, Providence St. Mel, has a 30-year 100% college placement record; with an “old school” approach to learning --- “Do the work.” --- and a dedicated corps of teachers and administrators, Providence St. Mel can serve as a model for revamping all of American education.
Why Providence St. Mel?
The strengths of Providence St. Mel, its curriculum, proven success, discipline, are all anomalies compared to typical inner city schools. This documentary was made in order to help promote discussion and interest in school reform. Both Paul Adams III and Tom Hurvis voice some of the same concerns. Hurvis feels that “this country is approaching an educational crisis that must be resolved in order for the country to remain a world leader.”
Paul Adams talks about the path American education systems are taking: “We are headed down a road toward disaster. I don’t know what it takes to enlighten our leaders to that fact that we are headed down this road. Unless we make some drastic changes about changing the culture of education in this country, we are headed for ruin.”
Accolades
Winner "Best Documentary" Omaha Film Festival 2009
Official Selection Chicago United Film Festival 2009
Winner "Most Inspirational Documentary" Seattle True Independent Film Festival 2009
Winner" Audience Choice Best Documentary" Lake County Film Festival 2009
Official Selection Estes Park Film Festival 2009
Official Selection American Black Film Festival 2009
Praise for Providence St. Mel
"Providence St. Mel is one of the most profound educational achievements in the nation. The school uses the entire day as a learning experience for the young people. They all end up going to college - which is unbelievable. But, they have a serious code of discipline, students come to learn..., they enter into a relationship that says - you will adhere to our practices, we will teach you, provide educational opportunities for you and you will learn."
- Congressman Danny K. Davis, US House of Representatives
"I believe the experience at Providence St. Mel shows every child can learn. If we can replicate the achievement and changes at this one school, we could change the face of American education and America itself."
- The Honorable Roy Barnes, Former Governor of Georgia and Co-Chair, Commission on No Child Left Behind.
"Providence St. Mel’s 100% placement of its graduating seniors in four-year institutions need to be examined, evaluated, and where possible replicated."
- Damon Caldwell, VP, Chief Program Officer,
-The Jackie Robinson Foundation
"Greatness is a state of mind - invest in greatness, invest in education. When we have the belief that all children should have access to opportunities to learn at the highest level, we get the results we have seen at Providence St. Mel - Bravo!"
- Professional Development Specialist, DCPS
Praise for The Providence Effect
"The movie shows the power of individuals to make a difference in breaking the cycles of poverty by creating an environment where students have no choice but to learn. It documents the phenomenon of what high expectations and hard work can achieve."
- Christina Hykes, Education Specialist, New York Programs, World Vision - Greater New York
"This is a powerful documentary that will support the efforts of schools working towards excellence. Great for professional development and parent engagement."
- Marilyn Calo, Principal, Family Life Academy Charter School
"Every educator, parent, and student must see this film. Inspiring!"
- Kimberly Jones, Council for Opportunity in Education
"This film is a brilliant reminder of the power of having higher expectation for our low-income and minority youth. Yes, everyone can go to college."
- Rocio Gandra., Pueblo del Sol Community Service Center

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