ELECTION (1999)
Run Time: 103 minutes Synopsis: This satirical comedy takes an uncommon look at ambition, ethics, the power of peer groups, and the hidden curriculum of student elections. Jim McAllister is a popular teacher and student government adviser, but he will risk his reputation and career to stop the school's consummate overachiever from winning the school's election. As campaign fever sets in, both teachers and students blur the lines of right and wrong.Reflection:
What purpose(s) did the election have for Tracy Flick? Paul Metzler? Tammy Metzler? Mr. McAllister?
Do you agree with Tammy Metzler that student government should be abolished? Can student government ever help create effective schools?
Some believe that school elections actually hurt democratic principles, teaching students to vote on popularity rather than substance, and to not expect any real change after the elections. Do student elections actually do more harm than good?
Recall your own experiences with high school student elections. Did you run for an office? Why or why not? In your high school, what was the social status of students serving in student government?
How were race, gender, and socioeconomic status represented in Election? In your own high school elections?
What personal boundaries will you establish with your students? Are teacher-student friendships appropriate? Teacher-student sexual relationships? How might the grade level of students influence your answers?
Follow-up Activity: You are Mr. McAllister's successor as student council adviser at George Washington Carver High. After this major election foul-up, it is up to you to spark participation, confidence, and enthusiasm for student government. You must propose election guidelines: Who is eligible to run for office? What power (if any) will each elected position wield? What are acceptable campaign platforms? Are candidates allowed to spend money? Where and when are candidates permitted to campaign? How will ballots be collected
and counted?
