ABOUT THIS PROJECT

First Year, First Choice: A Higher Standard of Learning in Alabama is a one-hour, cinema verite documentary style that explores Alabama’s attempt to dramatically improve the state’s public education system through a brand new initiative requiring all 2009-10 high school students to pursue a high-level diploma.

Through the lives of two teachers and two students in economically disparate regions, First Year, First Choice is a window into the real-life struggles – in and out of the classroom - that a southern American community faces as they challenge the next generation to live up to their potential.