New Science in the Documentary Paper Tigers

Reaction
Student Full Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course Full Title
Instructor Full Name
Due Date
Reaction
The ‘new science’ that is talked about during the film is the student-centered approach to discipline. Jim Sporleder, the principal at Lincoln Alternative High School, decides to implement a new way of dealing with the problem of drugs, violence, and truancy among its students. The alternative high school based in Walla Walla, Washington, is considered a last chance before dropping out and many learners have a history of behavioral issues, substance use disorders, and truancy (Redford, 2015, 1:30-12:45). Sporleder decided to move away from traditional punishments like suspension towards helping students break the cycle of adversity in their lives. What stood out for me is the school’s new emphasis on mental health when helping students from stressful childhoods. The six troubled teenagers in the film come from troubled backgrounds and the stressful events during their childhood increases the risk of behavioral problems, drug abuse, and truancy. I was hap...