With the transformation of the society from an industrial to information and technology make-up, the overall curriculum behind the education system must also transform. Human beings are natural, organic, ever-growing creatures. With that on the table, the main source of knowledge, an education, must adapt to the growth of human beings to keep up with modernity. Monitoring and evaluating individuals as data points through standardized testing is unnatural and ineffective for the intellect and retainment of knowledge for human beings.
The documentary, Most Likely to Succeed (2015) uses High Tec High as an illustration of what “real education” looks like. It’s pedagogy contradicts the traditional path that was founded on the industrial era of teaching individuals specific skills to work in factories or on the field. According to Salman Khan, we are now in an era where individual human capital has greater value than industrial skills (Whiteley 1:18). High Tech High strives to teach its students information and soft skills within a curriculum that allows them to produce their own work shaped around the same general education topics of humanities, sciences, arts, technology, etc. Soft skills include creativity, great teamwork, ability to empathize, ability to learn from failures, critical thinking, ability to collaborate, confidence, time management, ability to persevere through trials, and work individually. These are skills that are more likely to be retained much quicker and easier than a standardized curriculum. Teachers are responsible for structuring classes for students to work with a style that is best for them in preparation for the end-of-the-year presentation and evaluation.
A very powerful and influential scene presented in Most Likely to Succeed (2015) was the moment Samantha, a student tracked over the course of one school year, was receiving her evaluation report at the end of the year by her teachers. The filmmakers intentionally introduced the viewers to Samantha in the beginning of the film to establish context behind the type of students attending High Tec High. She is followed throughout the film to highlight the challenges faced previous to the concluding evaluation. At the beginning of the semester, Samantha pinpointed her weaknesses of lack of self-confidence and speaking up. Over the course of the school year, Samantha was assigned the position of director for a school play. Through this experience and approach to learning, Samantha grew characteristics and skills that she once believed were never capable of obtaining. Here is a quote that best expresses the growth that not only Samantha experienced through the curriculum but other students, as well:
“One of the most important things that I learned this year: “It’s good to make other people smile. It’s good to smile yourself but it’s also good to have new experiences. It’s good to learn. To go through struggles so that you come out learning something new” (Whiteley 1:15).
In this scene, Samantha was radiating with a huge smile and giggles but also exerting energy of confidence and comfortability. This was very much unlike her presentation to the class in the beginning of the film. Samantha was an individual who overcame challenges she thought were far beyond her abilities. The evaluation period of the curriculum is a collaboration between students and teachers coming up with results for each final product. Samantha and her cohorts produced a project that was of their own interest and not the teachers. It involved hands-on engagement, teamwork, failures, and successes. The teachers approached the evaluation stage by making statements like, “I want you to reflect on,” and “Tell me more about your progress.” These students reflect on the hardships they overcame in order to be in the place they currently stand in. The results produced are reflections of the student’s work ethic, learning capability and growth, and citizenship readiness in the 21st century (Whiteley 45:00).
The documentary fails to shine light on the selection of the students in the school. High Tec High is a very unique and specifically designed school that has yet to expand nationally. The students who are continuing to follow the traditional path of education more focused on standardized test preparation and spitting knowledge to kids are missing out on this approach to learning. Even mentioned in the film, education is retained differently for everyone (Whiteley 1:23:55). Yes, High Tec High focuses on the depth and effectiveness of learning, but their particular approach to learning is not for everyone. What about the students the students unable to follow a less traditional approach to learning? Some individuals are doing just fine with the school system and style of education attainment they currently have. Success continues to be produced despite the achievement gap that exists in America. This documentary fails to acknowledge the complex intersectionalities of equal opportunity to a “proper and real” education.
References:
Whiteley, G., Leibowitz, A., Ridley, A. & Lombroso D. (Producers), Whiteley G. (Director). Most Likely to Succeed. 2015. Film.