One film I use in a class on representations of teaching is Pump up the Volume. It is certainly Hollywood-ish, but it also poses questions about contemporary alienation among highschoolers and the complete lack of interest/support/understanding that adults offer to the specific problems they face. The ending is triumphant but not, I would say, happy. Fun, but bring up real problems -Zombie High -Fast Times at Ridgemont High -The Class of 1999 More Gritty -Teachers(1984) Grittier Still -Menace II Society And I think you should look at To Kill a Mockingbird and To Sir, With Love. They're classics. And take seriously the feelings, memories, and yearnings of young people. If you would consider a non-American flick, try My Life As a Dog Sounds like a good course. Good Luck. Kal Alston 236c Education--UIUC 1310 S. 6th Street Champaign, Il 61820 217-333-4382 [log in to unmask]