Most Likely to Succeed Film

I really enjoyed watching this film, it was filled with a very different perspective of education than the one that we know so I found it very interesting and informative. Check out the trailer for ‘Most Likely to Succeed’ below!

This film taught me that giving students creative autonomy is imperative for their success after graduation, as well as the idea of student led-learning and teaching and having students implement life-skills. This film also highlighted the importance of student collaboration, and the idea that all students learn differently, and can be reached in different ways. 

There were many surprising details of High Tech High. What was particularly surprising to me was that there is no set class schedule for students, and they go where they want/need to be. This was shocking to me but I think the flexibility and decision making is important for students to develop. Teachers being on yearly rather than continuing contracts was also surprising to me, but would probably ensure they did their best quality work. The most shocking part about High Tech High to me was that teachers are not governed by the school board and can make their own decisions of what to teach, rather than just following the curriculum. 

The problems I identified in this film based on High Tech High were mainly in regards to students transition into post-secondary schools. Although these concerns were addressed in the film, if I was a parent I would still worry about University Admission offices not seeing their education as equivalent to traditional schools education, and that my child would have a hard time transitioning to the work load and structure of post-secondary institutions. Students with diverse abilities could either thrive or struggle in the environment of High Tech High. The opportunities I identified in students attending High Tech High is their chance to develop life-skills that will stick with them forever, as well as their better retention of knowledge compared to traditional schools. High Tech High is a great opportunity for students to develop their creativity, take accountability for their own work and have it be a hands-on learning experience. 

I have questions regarding the logistics of High Tech High that the film did not completely touch on – are students projects assessed throughout the year, or only on the exhibition night? What does the project rubric look like? How are students with diverse-abilities supported throughout the year? How do they manage the challenges and confrontations that would naturally occur with students working together in groups? The final question I have that I am most interested in, and have looked into but have been unable to find the answer to is – how are the High Tech High students doing now?