The two schools are very different from each other. Starting with the lack of funding and resources in Garfield High School. Mr. Escalante was first hired to teach computer science, however because of the lack of funding, computers were not provided to the school. For this reason, Mr. Escalante began his journey as a math teacher. The second difference is the lack of authority present in this school. The faculty does not enforce any security detail or proper punishment on the students. As a result, the students in the school became rebellious and have no respect for authority whatsoever. In one scene, the students rigged the bell timing, resulting in the bell ringing earlier than the usual time. In another scene, two boys walked in late in class. The way the boys walked in class and their tone when they talked to the teacher was disrespectful. Lastly, the level of expectation from Garfield High School is quite low. Because of the school's reputation and current situation, the students have low expectations even for themselves. When Mr. Escalante introduced the idea of teaching calculus, the faculty did not agree because they believe it would shatter the only self-confidence they have. On the other side of the spectrum, Wellesley College is a very prestigious school with plenty of resources. Katherine Watson accepted a position as an art history professor. The women at Wellesley College are smart and have high expectations. They were born and raised in wealthy, respected and elegant families. The Wellesley College and community is surrounded by traditions and strict rules.The women are expected to get married and start families. A women that chooses to do otherwise is looked down upon. With all of the traditions and rules that surround Wellesley College, modern culture is not embraced. Any change is deemed unacceptable and the faculty will do everything they can to make things go back to the way it was. For example, a nurse at Wellesley handed out contraceptives to the students. One of the students reported this incident in the school paper. As a result, the nurse was reviewed by the board and was fired.
Although these two schools are very different from each other, they also have something in common. Both schools have people like Mr. Escalante and Katherine Watson to help the students through different obstacles. At first, in both cases, students showed resistance to the new teachers. Mr. Escalante's first day was a mix of students rigging the bell timing and student's disrespectful attitude. Katherine Watson's first day was a combination of student's arrogance and intimidation. However, both teachers adapted to the classroom atmosphere and managed to engage with the students. Both teachers taught them things, outside of a textbook. To help their students understand how concepts work in the real world, they brought them outside of school walls and showed them the world. Eventually, both sets of students began to understand their lessons and teachers. In both cases, the faculty have doubts about their teaching style. In Mr. Escalante's case, they questioned the student's capability for learning calculus. In Katherine Watson's case, they questioned her teaching method of allowing her students to think for themselves. These are two very different schools with different sets of rules, authority and environment. However, with the two good teachers trying to make a difference, these schools have more in common than one would think.
Excellent observations!
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