FILM | Washington teens who overcame adversity

Enjoy a complimentary screening of Paper Tigers, a film about the pain, danger and hopes of troubled, struggling teens and how one Washington high school was able to increase significantly their graduation rate by considering new sciences and a fresh approach to teaching. Jim Sporleder, principal of Lincoln High School in Walla Walla, Washington, attended an education conference that left him pondering the concept that “Stressed brains can’t learn.” During the following three years, Sporleder and his staff used discipline methods such as understanding and treatment (as opposed to judgment and suspension) to help students cope with adverse childhood experiences. In doing so, they were able to decrease the school’s fight rate by 75 percent and increase the graduation rate fivefold. This event includes a pre-film reception with snacks beginning at 4 p.m., a screening of the movie from 4:30-6 p.m., followed by a post-film discussion with Jim Sporleder and Dr. Mary Dobbins, director of Integrated Care Services and associate professor at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. To register for the free screening or learn more about Paper Tigers, visit http://papertigersmovie.com.