We watched a documentary for class titled “Most Likely to Succeed”. This documentary begins in a public school where a young student is struggling to excel in the current system. After this, the documentary crew interview a group of high school students who shock their teacher with their answers when asked if they would rather ace their test or actually learn. The students would rather ace their test than truly understand the work they are doing. The beginning of this film demonstrates the failings of the American education system. The way the education system works means that success looks like an aced test to get into the university of their dreams, not learning things beyond memorization.
In contrast to the regular schools, we are introduced to High Tech High, a school that has a unique curriculum. This documentary discusses the idea that most schools have not evolved with the times. However, High Tech High is different from those other schools. Together, the teachers and the students create their own curriculum that demonstrates the learning of the students in a new and inquiry-based way. Having a hand in their own learning teaches the students soft skills that are integral to their own life skills.