This documentary is very eye-opening to the lack of life (or soft) skills graduating students in most high schools are lacking. I think academics are important but the approach taken by Hi-Tech High to teach students HOW to be a successful learner and community member are skills that will benefit them throughout life. I think this is how we set up our students to be life-long learners and create healthy academic habits.
The schools approach to a project-based curriculum that caters to individual interests keeps students engaged and as a result they will have better retention of content they learn. I think this is an example of education moving in a positive direction and I have seen first-hand how project-based learning influences students to achieve deeper, more meaningful understanding. However, it is not a universal pedagogical design because of the limitations it has on younger students who will eventually benefit but first must secure foundational skills in math, literacy, sciences, social studies, and physical health. Therefore, I am an advocate for this learning approach post second-grade.
