Images from videos by Erik Friedl that describe and talk about principles in Big Picture schools

The following images come from several videos that Erik Friedl compiled between 2011 and 2014.

This video was the first visit by Erik Friedl to Highland Park High School
where Enrique Gonzalez was principal.

Enrique Gonzalez

The "Palabra" program is adapted to the students
in the Los Angeles area

In other schools, teachers just teach what’s on the board and switch to the next subject.  Here we have the opportunity to work on that subject for a couple of days.

 

Our principal is a man.  Unlike other schools, where it’s just some suit with a face.  Our principal has a personality and he gets through to us.

The video was completed in October 2013.

It is different here than where I came from.  I didn't have help from my other schools.  Here I have an understanding about what I'm supposed to do.  and what I'm going to do after I graduate.

At regular high schools, you don't really know what school is really about.
Here you learn a lot about yourself and what school is really about.  you want to educate yourself.

Over here nobody judges you.  We are all seen here as students.  

The Big Picture Website

We use a portfolio system but we bring it home by asking students to show us your best work.   What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses and deterrents?  How can we help you?  We bring in every parent to set up the learning plan to graduate.

By bringing in the community, lie the guitar and music, and having a place that is driven by the passions of young people, it changes everything.

COMMENT ABOUT A SCRATCH ON A TABLE
at Nightingale Middle School:

Is the student guilty of a crime?  The educational community is guilty for not engaging the child to respect his environment.  Most young people in America don't believe that the school belongs to them.