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Response to Microsoft School of the Future

Will Microsoft's School of the Future eventually prove to be the school model that we have been anticipating even before its construction in 2006?

My initial thoughts before seeing the news broadcast and reading recent articles about it were more on the negative side of the argument. I initially thought that rather than for the school district to spend an incredible amount of money on one school, why not spend that money on more schools? Why not spend to improve curriculum, infrastructure, technology, and resources of many schools in the district? It seems that trying to salvage what is already on hand would be more beneficial for more people.

The school had to prove something for the community and its critics, and thus, the pressure was certainly present. However, in its infancy, the school has had its own share of difficulties and did not really live up to the expectations. USA Today and CNN reports that the SAT 10 gave dismal results for the school with only 7.5% of 11th graders scored proficient or higher in math and 23.4% scored proficient or higher in reading (Matheson 2010; Hoye 2010). Adding to the struggle of the school is the constant change in the administration- in which the school is already in its fourth principal in the past four years (Matheson 2010). Some students have claimed that the school was quite like a traditional school except for the laptops, and CNN reports that the school have incorporated textbooks and paper as part of the instruction (Hoye 2010).

Amidst the criticisms and the struggles of the school, there are some great news for it still. Its first graduating class will have an almost 100% graduation rate, and each and every student is in the pursuit of a higher education, from acceptance into community colleges to selective schools (Hoye 2010; Matheson 2010). Some even attested that because of the caring and supportive environment that they have had in the school, they felt encouraged to succeed. And the feat- such as graduating from high school and going to college- was not even conceivable at first because of their own personal and socioeconomic issues (Matheson 2010).

I would hate to repeat an old cliche for what I feel about Microsoft's School of the Future, but here I am to repeat it: only time will tell whether this school succeeds or not. To me, the school is still in its developmental stages and what is being done there is under the microscope and may yet still prove to be pivotal to the school system if it succeeds. And as with any school climate, there will be certain problems that we'll have to deal with and find the best solutions for. However, my concern for the school is that they should be striving for excellence in teaching and learning the core subjects such as Reading, Writing, Math, and Science, rather than just gaining "computer-/tech-savviness." And another concern is how realistic would it be to make every classroom in the country this futuristic- this technologically advanced.

After watching the video, I reflected upon the importance of the role that Microsoft School of the Future has in how it will revamp the entire American public school system, and even, perhaps, fulfill our hopes and dreams for the system. So, the question gradually forms to this, "Was it worth the $65 million?"

It was worth the try I believe. But time will continue to tell.

Reference

Hoye, S. (2010). School of the Future focuses on the basics. CNN. Retrieved from http://articles.cnn.com/2010-06-21/us/microsoft.high.school_1_test-scores-school-s-mission-curriculum-overhauls/2?_s=PM:US.

Matheson, K. (2010). Microsoft 'School of the Future' in Philly finally in a groove. USA Today. Retrieved from http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2010-06-19-microsoft-school_N.htm.

Image

Keating, D. David J. Keating Construction Company. Retrieved from http://www.djkeating.com/projects-education-01.asp. [Photograph].

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