Movie: Most Likely to Succeed
The documentary ‘Most Likely to Succeed’ focuses on recreating the traditional school system as we know it. High Tech High is a public charter school which looks at project based learning.
The film shows how High Tech High came about and how it operates. In the school various disciplines were integrated and students became a part of big projects rather than being evaluated through tests and exams. This approach creates a new school model away from single subjects and test-based learning. Education is experiencing a revolution away from the traditional school system. Our world today is dominated by technology and new inventions. Humans and society have adapted to the changes rapidly. Education on the other hand has not. It seems like so many educators and policy makers are stuck in their ways. Parents who sent their children to High Tech High were worried about education outcomes, because their children were not tested and did not receive grades. However, reforms are coming and most educators tackle this education revolution with bravery. The documentary fails to reflect on possible impacts this form of schooling could have on getting into college or university since graduates from High Tech High cannot ‘compete’ with graduates from other traditional schools when looked at grades. There are no long-time studies on this new school model and no parameters that measure the success of a student.
Across all classes we are currently taking for the PDP program we talk about the revolution of the traditional school system. As future teachers we are encouraged to take on this new approach. In our teachable subject area for example we conduct weekly socratic seminars. This is just one way to foster team work, critical thinking, listening, and finding common ground.