John Merrow

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans officials transformed the city's education system by increasing the number of charter schools as they rebuilt. This inspiring documentary traces the creative new model's evolution through four schools.

Debunking commonly held notions about the rite of passage known as the college experience, this PBS documentary follows 30 students and their teachers along the path of higher education, from admission to graduation, and exposes the disappointment, disorientation and deflation many students feel -- in both public and private schools. This revealing study also addresses the quality and readiness of America's future work force.