A new PBS feature that launches on March 17 explores how a town in South Carolina is working to turn its schools into an engine of advancement for its young people.

According to a discussion guide created to accompany 180 Days: Hartsville, “viewers will experience a year in the life of one Southern town’s efforts to address the urgent demand for reform in American public schools.”

As the guide explains,

The town of Hartsville agreed to be a testing ground for systemic education reform based on the work of James Comer, Ph.D. The goal is for Hartsville students’ test scores to be in the top quartile in South Carolina in five years, and to be in the top quartile nationally in ten years.

The film premieres at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17. Visit the 180 Days website for local listings.

—Education Next