Freedom Writers and Our Education System

In class this week we watched the movie Freedom Writers, featuring Hilary Swank. This movie illustrates the struggles of kids in Long Beach, California as they are entangled in the gang and drug related activities in their community. Swank’s character tries to teach these kids to the best of her ability, but isn't always able to succeed due to an obviously flawed school system. Although these flaws are readily apparent in the underprivileged school system pictured, the school system at Paul Laurence Dunbar, in Fayette County, and across the nation is far from perfect.

Our schools currently teach to a standard curriculum and base success off of standardized testing scores. Kids are forced to take certain subjects with the illusion of freedom given in the form of electives; however, this system harms the education of all students in its current state, not just the struggling ones. The brightest students are limited by those struggling because the school cannot afford new materials for the accelerated classes, which is in turn due to the low population in these classes. Students who are struggling may be intelligent, but not passionate about the subjects that they were forced to learn. If they were allowed to study subjects closer to their interests, then their success and grades would skyrocket. In addition, students who plan on becoming tradesman should be able to start honing their skill during high school, instead of waiting until they have graduated. The current system prevents the gifted kids from moving on, keeps the bottom bracket where they are, and limits the opportunities presented to those with already decided interests.

Having a basic understanding of most subjects is necessary for success, but too much stress is placed on it. The school system needs to start designing a more malleable and personalized education system, or success rates will continue to be sub-par. As Swank taught the kids, motivation and interest are the two biggest steps in an education. If these kids from high risk backgrounds can receive an education tailored to them, then we in Fayette County should expect no less.