The Ron Clark Story In 1998, still relatively early in his career, Ron Clark leaves his stable life teaching at an elementary school in his suburban North Carolina hometown, ...
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00:00:00Ron Clark, ready for your first day?
00:00:11Yes, ma'am.
00:00:12I'll be with you in a minute, and I'll introduce you to your class.
00:00:20Hi, what happened to you?
00:00:34Teacher says I can't learn, so I should go with the trash.
00:00:37Okay, settle down.
00:00:39Let's get out our silent reading.
00:00:47I'm Mr. Clark. What's your name?
00:00:50Kathy Craig.
00:00:52Nice to meet you.
00:00:58You know, I'm so sorry. I'm so forgetful. What's my name again?
00:01:02It's Mr. Clark.
00:01:04Oh, see? You just learned something.
00:01:07Let's get you out of there.
00:01:12Mr. Clark?
00:01:13Yeah?
00:01:14Will you be our new teacher?
00:01:29We'll arrive at Swan Quarter about five, like we always do.
00:01:33Pick up the shrimp bait at the general store, like we always do,
00:01:38and hop the ferry over to Ocracoke Island for some fine flounder fishing.
00:01:42Like we always do.
00:01:45Well, folks, it's not quite the end-of-the-year summer celebration we expected.
00:01:49But let's take a moment to thank our own Mr. Clark,
00:01:53whose fifth-grade class tested number one in Beaufort County for the fourth year in a row.
00:02:00We have a surprise that we have put together for you.
00:02:04Unfortunately, it's outside.
00:02:17Y'all know Mr. Clark began here as a temporary teacher.
00:02:21Well, we've all chipped in on something to help him feel more permanent.
00:02:49I love it here, but I've got to move on, Mom.
00:02:52Before they use that parking space for my grave.
00:02:55New York public schools are desperate for good teachers.
00:02:58Newspaper says they're begging for them.
00:03:02Dad, every year I tell my students to go for what they want in life.
00:03:05Dream big. Take risks.
00:03:08It's time I started living up to my own words.
00:03:11I'm going to miss you guys, but I've got to go.
00:03:15I understand, sweetie.
00:03:20Goodbye.
00:03:23People get killed in New York.
00:03:42This is Radio Roanoke, where the sun is shining and the temperature is 78 degrees.
00:03:53News and sports in five, Baltimore.
00:03:55But now let's get ready to rock and roll with the smoke and red.
00:03:58That was the mellow midnight voice of Johnny Hartman.
00:04:01This is WNYC in New York City.
00:04:05First up, something cool on a hot night.
00:04:20Come on, pal, get out of the way.
00:04:22Come on, I'm trying to park here.
00:04:25Rents due at 10.
00:04:28Cash only. Checkouts at 11.30.
00:04:31Okay, this is great.
00:04:33What's your name?
00:04:35Yolanda.
00:04:36Thank you, Yolanda.
00:04:41Hi.
00:05:00New York.
00:05:14Good morning.
00:05:15Good morning.
00:05:18Yolanda, good morning.
00:05:20Do you have a list of the public schools in Harlem?
00:05:23Sure I do, baby.
00:05:29Okay, thank you.
00:05:31What do you want school listings for?
00:05:34I'm a teacher.
00:05:36And you want to teach?
00:05:39Up in Harlem?
00:05:40Yes.
00:05:42Well then, honey, you're going to need something else.
00:05:44Personal injury lawyers.
00:05:46Because once your way behind goes on up in there, they'll be carrying you back up the same way you went in.
00:05:50What kind of foolishness is this, going on up there trying to teach?
00:05:53Okay, thank you.
00:06:16Thank you so much for coming in.
00:06:17You're welcome. If you could just look at my resume.
00:06:19I apologize, we just don't have a position available.
00:06:22But all my kids tested above grade level.
00:06:24I'm sure they did.
00:06:25And good luck to you.
00:06:28Oh no!
00:06:56Ma'am, you forgot your purse.
00:07:08So, my merry men and ladies, let us steal from the rich and help a poor, brave waiter go henceforth into the kitchen and command your dinners.
00:07:17Nice hat. Distracts the customers from that accent.
00:07:20Hey, watch out. I got a bow and arrow.
00:07:22What show are you in? Everybody works here as an actor.
00:07:24I'm a teacher.
00:07:25You are going to change before your first class, right?
00:07:27Very funny. How about you?
00:07:29Me? Oh, I'm taking a break from acting.
00:07:32The Cleopatra gig is very challenging.
00:07:36Hey, who's that?
00:07:38That's the Queen of Egypt, in love with Mark Antony.
00:07:41No, I mean, who is that?
00:07:45Marissa. And she's even more beautiful out of costume.
00:07:48I'm Jason.
00:07:50Otherwise known as Mark Antony.
00:07:54Sorry.
00:07:55It happens all the time, bro. Don't sweat it.
00:08:08Get them fake heels out of him.
00:08:14You're cracking a clamp.
00:08:20Hey, come over here.
00:08:22Enough.
00:08:24Hey, Sean Mitchell, my office now.
00:08:27I'm not playing with your son.
00:08:33I ain't no son.
00:08:36Mrs. Sox, what the hell was that?
00:08:38That boy is your student.
00:08:40Not anymore.
00:08:42You walk away, you stay away.
00:08:46You can have the little bastards.
00:08:49I can start right now.
00:08:52Huh.
00:09:00You're lucky you got detention and not an assault charge.
00:09:09Hello, I'm Ron Clark.
00:09:12I wanted to let you know I taught fifth grade for four years in North Carolina.
00:09:16You need a teacher, I need a job, so let's help each other out.
00:09:19Mr. Clark, I'm sure you're very sincere, but I'm afraid you might be a little too...
00:09:23Too what? Too white, too tall, too ugly?
00:09:25Nice.
00:09:27I specialize in raising standardized test scores.
00:09:34This is the honors class.
00:09:36These students score in the top ten percentile of the state exams every year.
00:09:41We divide each grade into four classes according to their achievement scores.
00:09:46What about this class?
00:09:50This class tests it at the bottom of the entire New York City school district.
00:09:56They do seem a little bit squirrely.
00:09:58Oh, they're a bit more than squirrely.
00:10:00These students have problems with learning, discipline, social skills.
00:10:04Like Tayshawn Mitchell.
00:10:07Two strikes going on three towards the juvenile detention center.
00:10:12I'm your man.
00:10:15I have an opening in grade three.
00:10:17If your credentials check out...
00:10:18You have an opening right here.
00:10:20No.
00:10:21Last year, this class went through six different teachers before Christmas.
00:10:24Yes, nobody wants them and I do, so what's the problem?
00:10:29Test scores are very important to me.
00:10:31It's how I keep my job.
00:10:34I can start right now.
00:10:36You can start on Monday.
00:10:40State exams are in May.
00:10:43You are out of control.
00:10:45Yo, man.
00:10:56I think she liked me.
00:10:57High five, bro.
00:10:59What a break.
00:11:04200 bucks and nothing.
00:11:07Jeez, you should have heard them in there.
00:11:09Oh, Cleo, we got your snake right here.
00:11:11And then they just stiffed me.
00:11:17Want half?
00:11:19Yeah, sure.
00:11:21You're a teacher, Clark. What is it?
00:11:23I mean, why don't guys grow up?
00:11:25Ooh, I'm afraid my level of expertise expires at the sixth grade.
00:11:31You got a job?
00:11:32Inner Harlem Elementary.
00:11:34I'm gonna start meeting my kids tomorrow.
00:11:37Uh, you might want to hold on to this.
00:11:39Maybe your last meal.
00:11:40Nah, they're gonna love me.
00:11:51I like to meet all the parents, Miss Vasquez, before I start teaching.
00:11:55Julio!
00:11:56To get them involved.
00:11:58Julio!
00:12:00Damn it.
00:12:01Who the heck is he?
00:12:04He a clown, Mr. Clark.
00:12:06But he's a good boy.
00:12:09I had him when I was only 14.
00:12:12That's okay. Like I was saying...
00:12:14What?
00:12:16I was just saying...
00:12:18You can help out by working with Julio every night on his homework.
00:12:22Sure. Okay.
00:12:24Together, we can get him excited about learning.
00:12:26American history.
00:12:32The solar system. Pre-algebra.
00:12:34Huh?
00:12:39I just want Julio to achieve his full potential.
00:12:44So, Mr. Clark...
00:12:46Are you married?
00:12:49No.
00:12:52It's very nice to meet you all today.
00:13:01You know, I've never had a student from India before.
00:13:04How do you pronounce your name?
00:13:05Badzian.
00:13:07I like to read, especially when I...
00:13:09Quiet, lady.
00:13:11Men are talking, okay?
00:13:20Watch it!
00:13:25Watch it!
00:13:31They don't need no staff.
00:13:42Chameka Wallace?
00:13:44I'm Mr. Clark, your new teacher. I called earlier.
00:13:47It's Saturday, fool.
00:13:48Chameka, who is it?
00:13:50Nobody!
00:13:52Oh, aren't those your brothers?
00:13:54No, they're my kids.
00:13:56I'm 12 years old and I got three kids.
00:13:59Who are you talking to?
00:14:00I'm Mr. Clark, Chameka's new teacher.
00:14:02What the hell happened to Mr. Solace?
00:14:04Fool quit.
00:14:05He's wet.
00:14:07I swear to God, your teachers come in and out of this school.
00:14:10Yeah, I know that. That's why I'm here. I was hoping you would work with me.
00:14:13I already got a job, mister.
00:14:15I got two jobs and four kids and a brother on parole.
00:14:19I'm late for work.
00:14:21I'm late!
00:14:51Hold him down with my knees and you tell me that it's what I need while he's on my knees.
00:14:55Hold him down with my knees and you tell me that it's what I need while he's on my knees.
00:14:58Now, hand on his head.
00:15:00Now, somebody hand him to me.
00:15:01Yeah, so you can bet that I'll come to make a man out of you.
00:15:04Yeah, I'm Mr. Shadowbox.
00:15:08Shadowbox.
00:15:10Shadowbox.
00:15:12Shadowbox.
00:15:15Shadowbox.
00:15:18Shadowbox.
00:15:22Morning.
00:15:24Nice to see you, Tayshaun.
00:15:31Okay, good morning.
00:15:34Oh, hello. I'm Ron Clark. I guess I'll be teaching you.
00:15:51Oh, I know! She's so fantastic!
00:15:54Oh, she is.
00:15:56Yo, dream big about what? Big butts?
00:16:00Dream about your mama.
00:16:04Take your seats.
00:16:06Yo, teacher. Shamika's feeling sick today.
00:16:09Yeah, sick as damn teacher.
00:16:16Okay, because this is our first day, I have a surprise for all of you.
00:16:20What?
00:16:22I'll tell you, Julio, if you turn around.
00:16:26Today, there will be no schoolwork.
00:16:33Shamika, don't do that.
00:16:41Shamika, don't.
00:16:43Well, what? What are you going to do? Suspend me? Go ahead, suspend me! I want to leave!
00:16:47I want to leave!
00:16:53Hey, look, the fool's leaving already.
00:16:59Sit down!
00:17:09You see this?
00:17:11This means that this year is going to be different.
00:17:14This year is going to be about more than school. This year, we are going to be a family.
00:17:20But you don't look nothing like me.
00:17:25I'm going to be your family, and you are going to be my family.
00:17:29And that means that I am not leaving, and you are not leaving.
00:17:35Do you have any lipgloss?
00:17:45I'm telling you.
00:17:46Okay.
00:17:53I'm telling you,
00:17:55I'm not playing with them.
00:17:57What?
00:18:16Oh
00:18:33What the hell
00:18:46Well, what do you think we think it looks stupid
00:18:52Who vandalized this room
00:18:55I did sir
00:19:00Mr. Clark
00:19:02This sort of stunned me. I'm going to a big an aurora, but it doesn't work for me
00:19:06my school
00:19:08my rules
00:19:09my way
00:19:16Oh
00:19:19Put your gum in here come in here all the gum in this jar the gum jar
00:19:27Right in here. Hey, I see you. Come on right in there. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you
00:19:46Okay
00:19:52Okay to your left
00:19:54left more left
00:19:56They're just testing you. They want to see if you really care see if I care. They weren't even looking at me
00:20:01Well, one of them was but I think he was picturing me in a dark alley. We have to turn this out
00:20:06Oh, ow, do these legs come out?
00:20:09All right
00:20:10I think it looks good right there, you know school's supposed to be exciting. Okay
00:20:16Now you sound like one of those dumb ass commercials that used to come on at the cartoons on saturday morning
00:20:20So what you didn't like school?
00:20:22School sucked. I hated it. Yeah. Well if I was your teacher you would have loved it
00:20:33Ron just relax step away from the table
00:20:41Yeah, that's what I was doing
00:20:46So now that you helped me move I guess I have to be your drive you to the airport feed your fish
00:20:51Never forget your birthday kind of friend. Uh, not to mention my cover my weekend shift because i'm going to la with jason friend
00:20:59He's gonna meet some producers, you know, he's trying to get out of the daytime heartthrob thing
00:21:04So how long you two been going out?
00:21:08Almost two years
00:21:11Oh, I mean we're not living together or anything
00:21:16He's busy i'm busy
00:21:18But it's good. Yeah, it sounds good
00:21:23All right, well we got three hours before our shift who's hungry
00:21:26Oh, so you're a union mover. This is gonna cost me a pizza, huh?
00:21:32Can I have your attention please
00:21:35Before we start today. I would like to go over three rules for this class
00:21:40If you follow them, we will all have a lot of fun
00:21:43Yeah, if you do not follow them there will be consequences
00:21:49You all remember rule number one we are a family
00:21:56We're not in kindergarten that means we help each other out we stand up for each other we defend each other
00:22:05Rule number two we respect each other
00:22:09Hey
00:22:11You will call me sir
00:22:13Not man not dog not fool. If you are asked a question you will say yes, sir
00:22:18Or no, sir, not. Yep. Nope. Uh-uh. Nuh-uh
00:22:23Uh, nuh-uh fool respect
00:22:25Julio vásquez
00:22:27You will not talk unless I call on you if I am talking you are listening with your eyes
00:22:33right here
00:22:36Rule number three we will form a line to enter and exit class and go to lunch. Come on
00:22:45Shameka what what sir?
00:22:51Oh shameka, thank you for what reminding me about rule number four no smacking of lips and rolling of the eyes
00:22:59If you break one of these rules your name will go up on the board so stupid
00:23:06If you break another rule, you will get a check
00:23:11If you break a third rule
00:23:19Hey
00:23:22Hi, what you're reading nothing
00:23:29No, I didn't read that book till high school
00:23:36Ten to one that's big bucks man. That's big bucks. What's julio doing?
00:23:43Taking bets
00:23:45On you on me
00:23:48When you're gonna quit
00:23:50Am I supposed to say he's gonna be gone by friday gambling is illegal, especially when you're 12
00:23:56And by the way, i'm not leaving
00:23:59Yo, come on dog. I'm supposed to make some paper. Are you?
00:24:02Hey
00:24:03Boy, something smells really good in here. Could I ask a favor of you ladies? I just wanted to
00:24:09know if dr
00:24:10King talked about justice rolling down like waters here passes around guys and righteousness like a mighty stream
00:24:18it's like on a
00:24:20Hot day when you go outside and whoosh somebody opens up a fire hydrant
00:24:23There's water streaming all over the place and everybody's running around and going crazy
00:24:28That's what dr. King wanted justice and freedom to feel like
00:24:33so
00:24:34Tonight after we've gone over. Dr. King's speech. I want you all to start a journal about your dreams and aspirations
00:24:49Rule number three we all line up to go to the lunchroom
00:24:52Oh
00:24:54You know what here's my rule I ain't standing no line
00:24:59Oh, okay. Shamika
00:25:01But because we are all a family if one of us doesn't get in line for the lunchroom, then none of us gets lunch
00:25:22Very quietly two lines right up against the wall. It's good
00:25:29It's good nice and quiet. Oh looks like somebody's not hungry
00:25:37Stop fighting. Let's go
00:25:44No talking
00:25:52And stop
00:25:58Shamika did you cut in line? No, sir. I did not
00:26:04You do know that I have eyes in the back of my head right I was here ask her
00:26:10Stupid
00:26:14All right, we're all gonna stand here until shamika decides to tell the truth
00:26:22I didn't cut in no line
00:26:29Hey, you're in mr. Clark's class no food
00:26:36Yo, come on, mr. Clark i'm starving man i'm about to faint out and pull you get to the back of the line
00:26:42And take that hat off
00:26:47It's up to you whether we eat or not
00:26:52You
00:26:56Shamika this is a family and families treat each other with respect. They never ever lie to one another
00:27:07Did you cut in line
00:27:12Come on, let's go
00:27:15Oh
00:27:20We are all just waiting on you
00:27:28Yeah
00:27:31Thank you
00:27:34Now what is rule number five no
00:27:40That's right now go eat
00:27:44Oh, i'm proud of you. Thanks a lot
00:27:52Uh-huh. Yes, mom. I miss you too
00:27:57Yeah, I know there's a job for me back home but uh things are going very well here
00:28:02Well, it took the kids a little while to warm up to me
00:28:06Yeah
00:28:08Honestly, we're getting along great
00:28:14So
00:28:44So
00:29:03I want you all to take a good look around at your new clean room
00:29:10Whatever
00:29:13I'm not going to ask who wrecked it
00:29:17Eyes right here
00:29:23I was hoping we could have fun
00:29:25This year and I think that we still can but only after you learn to follow all of my rules
00:29:34And you will follow all of my rules
00:29:42First of all keep breathing
00:29:44Take your seats. Call me, sir. Too many damn rules, man
00:29:49Telling us how to do this and do that making us walk around in a damn line. He ain't my daddy
00:29:54He could be your daddy. You don't know
00:29:56You should talk girl. Excuse me. Shut up
00:30:00All i'm saying is this is our school, right? We do what we want
00:30:05Yeah, because he's just gonna leave anyways, that's what you said last week girl. He's still here
00:30:10You wait keep going
00:30:13I hope not
00:30:17What
00:30:18I like mr. Clark
00:30:19That's because you from a foreign country and you don't know how we do here. How
00:30:24Do we do?
00:30:27Do like us baby you want to be like us you got to do like we do
00:30:32Come on
00:30:34Yo, yo, let's go. Let's go. Yo, yo, let's go. Let's go
00:30:39Let's go
00:30:49Strawberry shortcake cream on top. Tell me the name of your
00:31:02That's really good you're really good at this
00:31:10Thank you
00:31:34Go to your seat
00:31:39Hey
00:31:40Who's talking to you? No, was I talking to you?
00:31:44Is he gonna hit me?
00:31:45No
00:31:47But you did break rule number two. You're gonna hit me sir
00:31:56Shameka you're in charge
00:32:00Hey, john, look don't do this. Hey
00:32:03Hey
00:32:05Look, I know you have two strikes you walk out now. They'll expel you for sure. Just get back in there. Why?
00:32:12Because I would miss your glowing personality
00:32:17Mr. Turner doesn't have to know anything about this just give yourself another chance
00:32:33You
00:32:38Hey, you're still cool with helping me move my new dress on saturday, yes, definitely
00:32:41I mean jason would help but you've got the fly blue car. So
00:32:45This is supposed to be well done. It is well done. What are you talking about? It's rare fine
00:32:49I'll burn it. Just take out the rest of the orders. I know how to do my job
00:32:54congratulations
00:32:56On what officially becoming a new yorker you ready? Oh, yeah, babe. I'll be right there
00:33:04All right, you better go hey
00:33:10Thank you
00:33:14Raquel arenas
00:33:17Raquel do you have your journal?
00:33:25Alita sanchez
00:33:29Shameka wallace
00:33:32You should make it. Did you bring your dr. King journal? Nope got no dreams to keep
00:33:40Bedread
00:33:44Julio Vasquez, sorry, I couldn't get to the boss
00:33:55Why are you all doing this got better things to do yo
00:33:59Yo
00:34:00Oops, my bad
00:34:02Forgot to say yo, sir
00:34:04Guess I get a check
00:34:06You want to get a detention?
00:34:10You know, I really really like your nail polish, thank you my mama look at me when I talk to you
00:34:15Not double bad another check look at me
00:34:21Go to hell
00:34:29So
00:34:44You win you did it girl
00:34:59Oh
00:35:11Hey
00:35:13What happened? Why aren't you in school kid?
00:35:16I don't want to talk about it
00:35:18just
00:35:19Show me new york. I've been here for three months. I haven't seen a damn thing
00:35:24today
00:35:26All right, let's go see some damn things
00:35:30So
00:35:38You know when I was a kid I used to call it the entire state building
00:35:43That's cute
00:35:45Okay, you know what? We walked the entire island in a monsoon. I bought you three pretzels and two hot dogs
00:35:49Now you're gonna do something for me anything
00:35:53Tell me what happened
00:35:59I shook a desk with a 12 year old kid and I wanted to throw it and her right out the window
00:36:09Well, they've seen that kind of manga before well not from me I I totally lost it
00:36:15What you feel helpless they feel that way every day
00:36:20These kids can do anything i'm asking them to do more. They just won't
00:36:26So
00:36:29Today I gave up
00:36:34Don't give up on oh, yeah, how long has it been since you've auditioned? I don't know
00:36:46Two years and seven months
00:36:50What broadway's not gonna miss me if i'm gone those kids they'll miss you
00:36:55Maybe you can be that one guy that turns it around for them
00:37:01Mr. Clark was crazy mad on friday, you know, I think he's gone for good. I say we should just all go home think so
00:37:07Yeah, well, thanks for your advice son. But if mr. Clark isn't in his class, i'm sure we can find someone to cover for him
00:37:14Why we gotta do that
00:37:17Good morning, julio
00:37:19Mr. Turner
00:37:20Who came back?
00:37:22Mr. Turner fool came back fooled it indeed
00:37:31What's he doing he's crazy everybody take a look around
00:37:38Within these four walls you can be strangers or you can be a family
00:37:46Within these four walls can be the end of your story
00:37:50Or you can make it a beginning
00:37:55A beginning that is better than anything you ever imagined possible
00:38:02Since I got here you have not listened to me once
00:38:07Yeah
00:38:10So here's the deal today we are going to learn grammar
00:38:15Oh
00:38:16If you are quiet and you listen
00:38:20Every 15 seconds. I will drink a chocolate milk
00:38:25If you can do it
00:38:27You may get to see me puke
00:38:32So do we have a deal?
00:38:34Okay, good
00:38:36Julio. Yes. This is not for you to eat
00:38:40I want you to watch the clock and every 15 seconds
00:38:44Bang the jar with the ruler like that. All right
00:38:50When I hear the gong I will slam down one of these the time starts
00:39:00Now
00:39:03Every sentence has a subject and a verb
00:39:14What the hell's a boomerang shut up, I guess you guys don't want to see me drink all the chocolate milk
00:39:26The verb expresses action in the sentence
00:39:44So
00:39:56In this sentence
00:40:14Yeah
00:40:34Now can anybody tell me the verb in this sentence
00:40:44Um
00:40:49Feels yes. Yes. You don't puke now. Mr. Clark. Yes
00:41:06Whoa
00:41:13Yeah
00:41:25Hey, can you guys teach me how to do that?
00:41:30Oh, you don't think I can learn how to do that
00:41:33Okay. All right. I'll make you a deal if I learn how to double dutch then you guys got to learn something from me
00:41:38What?
00:41:39Everything you need to know for the seventh grade
00:41:44All right, let's go
00:41:48So we're gonna jump yeah
00:41:56Okay, okay, okay, can you just go a little a little slower no, you gotta do like rigid
00:42:02Okay
00:42:12All right, all right ready set go
00:42:24Come on man, you ain't dancing jumping. Oh, come on now
00:42:32Yeah
00:42:52Hey, mr. Turner, this is fun
00:42:56Do you really think it appropriate to do this with the students? Well, i'm certainly not gonna double dutch with you
00:43:02Let's see what you got
00:43:13These kids are at the bottom of the barrel don't talk about them like that
00:43:17Now all i'm asking is for your students to pass. Oh, every one of my students will pass
00:43:24They can become somebody else's problems the problem isn't the kids it's not even what they can achieve the problem is what you expect them
00:43:30to achieve
00:43:33You are setting the bar here why set it up here they can make it this community judges us by scores government funding
00:43:40Judges us by scores people will give me scores. They get my respect. Okay, good in may. They'll all test at grade level
00:43:49I don't see how that's possible. No, i'm sorry. Did I say grade level? I meant above grade level
00:43:54Every single one of those kids in that class just wants your respect
00:43:57Hell I want your respect you want my respect stop acting like a 12 year old
00:44:04I always wanted to go rock climbing, but there I was on the edge of this cliff
00:44:09Ropes on me and my friends are yelling jump jump jump and I look down
00:44:15And it is a long way down
00:44:19So i'm on the cliff and i'm yelling I can't I can't I can't and my friends are yelling
00:44:23Yes, you can you can do it jump jump jump and I did
00:44:27I
00:44:29Thought I was going to die, but when I jumped out
00:44:35It felt like I was flying
00:44:38I did something that I never thought I could do and it was pretty cool
00:44:44Now you guys may not know this but in this classroom, we're rock climbing every day
00:44:48We are climbing up and up and up and we are there and now it's time to jump
00:44:54Now, I know you're scared
00:44:57But I want you to do it. I want you to jump. I want you guys to feel what it's like
00:45:04to fly
00:45:08So I want each of you to come up here
00:45:11And light one of these candles
00:45:14Okay, come on up guys
00:45:17And when you light a candle
00:45:19When you light a candle it symbolizes that we are joined together and if you trust me
00:45:28You can learn more than you ever dreamed of and that's a promise
00:45:49So
00:46:03The revolutionary war
00:46:06Industrialism the civil war the civil rights movement
00:46:13I want you all to get the great big picture of american history
00:46:18That's why this year we're going to learn all 42 presidents of the united states in order
00:46:25No, no, no once, you know the president
00:46:28It'll be easy to remember what?
00:46:31and when
00:46:48Me
00:46:55None of you pass the test and there's going to be punishment
00:47:05I want you to pass these all around
00:47:18So
00:47:28Now let's get down to some presidential learning we'll start with george washington straight from mount vernon
00:47:34First president and commander in chief fought the revolutionary war so we could be free
00:47:39John adams was second thomas jefferson third when we fought for independence their voices were heard when in the course of human events
00:47:47We took a stand and we've been doing it since
00:47:50It's a tribute to the leaders of the usa
00:47:54It's a president's rap. All right. All right. Okay, okay
00:48:06It's a tribute to the leaders of the usa it's the president's rap
00:48:18It's a tribute to the leaders of the usa it's the president's rap. All right. All right. Okay. Okay
00:48:27All right back to your seats back back back to your seats
00:48:32It's the president's rap. All right. All right. Okay. Okay
00:48:38R to the o to the nizzle r to the o to the nizzle
00:48:43Rizzle r to the o
00:48:48Okay, we're kizzle. Thank you. Mr. Clark. This is my first a good job
00:48:57Show me kizzle. Thank you. Mr. Clark
00:49:06Now give it up for your sizzle cells
00:49:11It's okay to be proud of yourself for doing well on a test
00:49:17Come on, let's go. Oh my god
00:49:25You hold up for a minute
00:49:29I wanted to ask a favor of you
00:49:32me
00:49:33Could you after your pockets, please?
00:49:36I believe this constitutes an illegal search sir right on the desk
00:49:48So
00:49:57That morning at your house your mother's purse
00:50:00No, no, you see you got it all wrong. Me and her have this deal
00:50:03You know, I take care of her and she takes care of me. You see
00:50:07No, I don't
00:50:09But you're about to tell me that crime doesn't pay sometimes it costs and in this case three one hour study sessions
00:50:16With me
00:50:23I mean for real used to be working for us little brother. I didn't see you make yourself some easy money, man
00:50:29I got enough trouble
00:50:31The man don't care about no kid
00:50:33He's too busy to take you down to him telling you
00:50:37Okay, shun
00:50:40I
00:50:42Ain't no police. He just said some fool man. I handle don't worry y'all
00:50:56You okay? Yeah, i'm cool. I wanted to bring you this
00:51:09Here
00:51:13You could bring up your math and english with some extra help
00:51:16Tomorrow's saturday. I could meet you at the coffee shop by the school. I'll buy you lunch
00:51:28I'll be there at noon noon
00:51:31You
00:51:39Can I take that now daddy didn't show up
00:51:42Come on
00:51:57Here I am not even two o'clock i'm early sir now for study session numero tres
00:52:12Okay
00:52:14Then we get three cards up on the flop
00:52:17And then we get another two cards up. Okay, so that's five cards up. Can you add those for me?
00:52:22You know, we gotta bet first
00:52:24I bet five fake dollars
00:52:27well
00:52:28I'll call
00:52:30And that's 36
00:52:33That's good. Now. What's the square root of that?
00:52:37Well, oh square root, okay, I think the square root is
00:52:40What number multiplied by itself gives you 36
00:52:45Uh
00:52:47Six that's good
00:52:50So what you got
00:52:52pair of sevens
00:52:53Well, I guess I get all the chips because I got three sets. Oh pay up dog
00:52:58Want to go again? Yeah, sure. All right
00:53:01So
00:53:06Shameka wallace
00:53:07Didn't we have an appointment after school today? It must have slipped my mind
00:53:12We have to talk about you turning in your homework I told you the fire alarm keeps going off in my building three times this week
00:53:20Don't get busy forget
00:53:23You
00:53:28Last night, I just didn't do a good enough job. Would you like to show me your homework? I'm sure I can help you with it
00:53:45This is really close we can fix this. Yeah
00:53:49Yeah
00:53:51For reals sure we can work on it right now. There's a few spelling mistakes and just arrange some of the paragraphs different. Yeah
00:54:07She's been crazy fussy all day. I think maybe he's gonna see her. Okay. Thank you. Mrs. Benson
00:54:14Yeah
00:54:16Mr. Clark, I can't work on my paper right now. I gotta go make dinner
00:54:20I'll do it
00:54:22You'll do what i'll make dinner and you work on your paper
00:54:26Okay, okay start with that third paragraph
00:54:29Hi
00:54:31Okay, where's the food?
00:54:38Dinner served i'm trying to concentrate concentrate later dinner served
00:54:45I tried like you said I moved the third paragraph and it sounds really good
00:54:50Okay now that's for you and who gets the baby food pita, okay, you're gonna like this this looks really good
00:55:03What's he doing here
00:55:06He made us dinner
00:55:09You don't think I can take care of my family mr. Clark
00:55:12No, yes
00:55:18Please leave my house
00:55:20So
00:55:37I come home to find him in my kitchen cooking for my family. This girl has a job to do miss wallace
00:55:41Can we please not talk about shamika like she's not in the room? I'll talk any way I want
00:55:46Now I send my daughter to school to be educated. I don't expect a teacher to bring school up in my house
00:55:50It's called homework
00:55:52Excuse me. She has too much of it to be babysitting all the time. Mr
00:55:56Clark shamika has more potential than any kid in my class. Why can't you see that?
00:56:02How dare you?
00:56:03How are you gonna tell me what I should and should not see in my daughter?
00:56:07I'm merely suggesting that you give her a chance
00:56:13I'm taking my child home now
00:56:15The white tornado here better not be teaching at this school when I bring her back tomorrow
00:56:18As well as I can assure you I will deal with the situation
00:56:24Please don't fire. Mr. Clark
00:56:28He was just trying to help me mama he's just trying to help it's it's okay
00:56:35Please don't leave because of me. Mr. Clark
00:56:48Is
00:56:54Miss wallace wait
00:56:56I'll meet you outside
00:56:58Why are you doing this?
00:56:59You gave her these grand ideas and this world's just gonna crush her down
00:57:03I don't believe that
00:57:04She's just gonna drop into our life. And now you know all about it, right? I just know she's a great student
00:57:09a born leader creative intelligent
00:57:13Shamika
00:57:14My shamika. Yes
00:57:17If she tests well enough in may I think we might be able to get her into manhattan west for middle school
00:57:23That's for gifted kids
00:57:32Um, maybe miss benton can keep the boys a little longer every day, okay
00:57:40Okay
00:57:46So
00:57:57Morning
00:58:04We'll lay out you do this
00:58:07You like it. Mr. Clark
00:58:09It's really good. You got quite a talent for this
00:58:12Well, it's one of my minis dog
00:58:15Okay, sir, thanks good morning
00:58:36Yeah, what do I say
00:58:38Fuck
00:58:41Don't you like me? Mr. Clark, man, don't hate on me because I got skills skills. You mean being a straight up punk?
00:58:47You're real good at that
00:58:50Yo, come on. Say just chill out. You're telling me to chill on me. You're telling me to chill. Come on, man
00:58:55I mean, mr. Clark likes that art crap. Okay, so he thought I did it and I just went with it
00:59:08So
00:59:17Superintendent stevens has joined us to determine if tayshaun mitchell should be expelled from inner harlem elementary
00:59:22I vote. Yes
00:59:24Send him to juvie
00:59:26This isn't a democracy. Mr. Brampton howard. Would you let mr. Turner finish what he was saying? You're his foster parent
00:59:33You got the say here
00:59:36We don't need his lazy ass around the house all day, what did you just say
00:59:46Look if we expel him, he's only gonna fall further behind. Mr. Clark
00:59:50Our students can't simply do what they want with no consequences. What about the consequences for tayshaun?
00:59:55We are supposed to be keeping these kids in school
01:00:00That's all just take a step back
01:00:03Remember that I have eyes in the back of my head so stop fighting
01:00:11This is not a test
01:00:14This is my phone number
01:00:16I want you guys to call me if you have any questions about homework need any advice or you are in trouble
01:00:24That's 24 7
01:00:28Pick up your math workbooks at the front of the class
01:00:31And we have a book report due tomorrow
01:00:40Remember there's two variables in this equation. Okay, so x equals
01:00:44x e x equals
01:00:46Come on, tayshaun. You can do this. You know what you all up on me, man
01:00:50Yeah
01:00:57X equals three eights. Yes. Oh, that's great. Just keep doing it like that
01:01:20Oh
01:01:33This doesn't sound good
01:01:35How long you been this way?
01:01:37I don't know a week maybe more we have pneumonia. I can send you home, but you'd be confined to bed rest for two weeks minimum
01:01:45Yeah, I can't I can't do that
01:01:47Or I can admit you to the hospital right now, mr. Clark
01:01:51So
01:02:16Okay, everybody take your seats
01:02:19Okay, mr. Clark you look really white yeah even more than usual
01:02:25We have four
01:02:29Four weeks
01:02:31Now I know that doesn't seem like a lot of time but if we work really hard I know we're gonna do great on these exams
01:02:38so
01:02:40let's go over our science topics from last
01:02:43Week who knows those?
01:02:48Magnetism chemical reactions and gravity. Okay, good gravity
01:02:56gravity
01:02:58is important because
01:03:05Okay, we get it mr. Clark gravity makes you fall down
01:03:09Oh
01:03:16Mr. Clark
01:03:34I hope he's all right
01:03:39So
01:03:55Okay, yeah
01:03:58Very nice of Jason to let me borrow the camera. Oh, he's happy to help. How much are we taping four hours?
01:04:05four hours
01:04:06every day
01:04:07Yeah kids need it. It'll go quick
01:04:11For you
01:04:14Hey maris
01:04:17Thank you
01:04:21Wait come over here
01:04:26Can't have a mr. Clark looking all sloppy now, can we
01:04:32You know a guy could get used to this
01:04:35Come on seats are ready
01:04:39Okay, now just because I'm on this videotape doesn't mean that I can't see you Alita is that gum
01:04:49All right, is everybody ready
01:04:53Gravity the force of attraction between two objects
01:04:57The force of attraction between two objects
01:05:03That
01:05:04Is gravity now according to the definition of gravity?
01:05:07Why did the egg fall because and no julio it's not because the egg and the floor are hot for each other
01:05:14Turn around and face me
01:05:17The egg fell because the force of the mass and the distance between the egg and the floor caused the reaction
01:05:24Okay now get out your workbooks because I have to clean my floor
01:05:42Morning mr. Clark. Good morning. Tisha. You have my kids homework
01:05:49Good to have you back
01:05:52That's not true, yes it is I want my cd back and my money bitch
01:05:58I need that cd back. No, you didn't
01:06:22So
01:06:33Yeah, what up mr. C
01:06:38You tell me
01:06:44You guys have one week till the state exams
01:06:47one week to show mr. Turner
01:06:50And your parents and yourselves what you can do
01:06:57You guys don't have anything you want to tell me
01:07:04There's no way we're gonna pass those tests we always mess up and don't jump on us man, sir
01:07:11I mean, it's nothing personal. Everything we do in this room is personal
01:07:16How we talk to each other
01:07:18How we work together and how we've prepared for these tests
01:07:23But we're way behind now. We're not behind you're ahead
01:07:29Everyone thinks we're losers. Mr. Clark. No
01:07:35You are not losers
01:07:45These rules
01:07:47They represent everything you've accomplished this year
01:07:51discovering new things
01:07:54Believing in each other and believing in yourselves
01:08:00And i'm proud of you
01:08:04Compared to all that this test
01:08:07It's nothing
01:08:09But mr. Clark
01:08:11We have to get certain grades to graduate, right?
01:08:15So what if we you know
01:08:17Choke, but you're not going to choke
01:08:21You guys didn't work hard all this year just to get ready for some tests
01:08:28Every day in this room
01:08:32We are learning things far more valuable than you can get in some book
01:08:40I teach you
01:08:43And you teach me
01:08:47And together we learn to love to learn
01:08:56So
01:08:58Next week
01:09:00You're going to take that test. You're going to do the best that you can do
01:09:04And you are going to walk out of that room and know that you can do anything you want for the rest of your lives
01:09:17You
01:09:22All right tomorrow is the big day but don't worry, you know the material backwards and forwards so just get a good night's sleep
01:09:29And you know, good luck
01:09:31Federica, can I talk to you for one minute and taishan? Can you wait for me at the door, please?
01:09:40I know
01:09:41That it's been hard for you to fit in
01:09:43But you can be smart and still be cool
01:09:47In fact, you're so smart and cool. You can do anything you want to do
01:09:52I want to be a doctor
01:09:55Okay, good you better kick some butt on that test then doctor
01:10:02Thank you, mr. Clark, good luck taishan
01:10:06Hey
01:10:12Yo kid get it done i'm saying do this all right
01:10:16Hey, what up t? Yo little brother where you been man? We've been looking for you. Hey, yo, you forgot what's up?
01:10:21Let me check if we got some goods. We gotta move now. Come on. It's raining dude. Come on
01:10:30Hey
01:10:31Look, you can't be in and not roll
01:10:34I can't be like that son
01:10:37I was thinking maybe we could walk to school together
01:10:40We can do a last minute review of the test on the way
01:10:45Yo, you're running this way running that way payaso which way come on
01:10:53That way
01:11:04Yeah
01:11:06Okay, so when you get to the math section
01:11:14Go get it
01:11:27Good morning
01:11:30Do not open your test booklets until I tell you to begin
01:11:34Keep your eyes on your own paper
01:11:37When you've chosen your answer fill in the corresponding answer bubble completely with a number two pencil
01:11:44If you require an additional pencil, please raise your hand and one will be provided
01:11:52Do your best and no talking
01:11:54So
01:12:03You may begin
01:12:24So
01:12:43Think they're as nervous as we are i'm not nervous and thanks
01:12:55So
01:13:09It was 36 no, there's 32 apples, right? Yeah, that's us. All right, mr. Clark
01:13:25So
01:13:33Double mocha latino foam. Hi. Come on in
01:13:37How were the tests oh, uh
01:13:40Good, I think I think the kids did pretty well. Yeah. Okay, whatever i'm freaking out
01:13:46I got an audition
01:13:48Oh my god, that's great. No, no, that's not so good
01:13:51Jason got a job and he asked me to go to la with him
01:13:55I I don't know what to do
01:14:00Tell me what to do
01:14:08I tell sixth graders what to do
01:14:11And last time I looked you weren't in the sixth grade. So
01:14:15Thank you very much
01:14:17for stopping
01:14:24Um
01:14:49Whatever you do do not open the closet
01:14:55No, don't go
01:15:02Will y'all calm down
01:15:07Hello kid julio, I knew you were gonna open the closet
01:15:13You guys have been working so hard for the last three months on this test and whatever the scores are
01:15:20I want you to know i'm proud to be your teacher
01:15:23I'm so proud that I asked your parents to let me take you somewhere special and they said yes
01:15:29so
01:15:30Go get your envelopes and open them
01:15:38Raquel right here right here
01:15:40Elite. Oh my god family. We're going to broadway. We are going tonight. So come get your playbills
01:15:52Me
01:16:07The cavaliers
01:16:14The nuggets just got by the next 114 to 112 the supersonics devastated the jet
01:16:22Railway
01:16:31And this phantom guy he's like so in love with this girl that he's gotta grab her up, you know
01:16:35And then he takes her to the secret crib
01:16:38And then and then he keeps her there and then they find him
01:16:42Well, i'm not gonna tell you you'll find out
01:16:52What the hell
01:16:55You ruined my wall
01:16:58I told you to paint that crap in the street
01:17:04Not in my house
01:17:09You think you can do whatever you want
01:17:14You piece of garbage
01:17:22Yes
01:17:29Okay guys go in the play's gonna start let's go in come on get in there let's go
01:17:35I can't plantation
01:17:37Don't look for it. Mr. Clark. There's plenty of parents here. We'll look after the kids
01:17:52So
01:18:23So
01:18:48Keisha
01:18:52Oh
01:19:03I'm here get away get away. I ain't worth it. I ain't worth it. I ain't worth it. No, I know you
01:19:12I saw your work
01:19:15And it's beautiful
01:19:22It's okay, it's okay
01:19:41I'm gonna help you. I'm not going anywhere
01:19:52Oh
01:20:06Here we go
01:20:19You'll be staying here for a while
01:20:22Thanks, mr. Turner, you're welcome. Hey, you're gonna be safe here
01:20:42It may take a while ron, but uh, we'll find him a place I give him a word
01:20:53So which room was yours
01:21:00I'll see you first thing in the morning. Yes, sir
01:21:11For highest achievement in science bad ria santhanam
01:21:18Thank you, you are welcome doctor
01:21:22Thank you for most outstanding achievement in mathematics
01:21:27julio vasquez
01:21:34Thank you for exceptional artistic achievement
01:21:42Tasha mitchell
01:21:44Thank you
01:21:51And last but not least chamis
01:21:58I'm sorry to interrupt your end of the year party. Mr. Clark, but I just received a fax from the board of education
01:22:04informing me of the results of the state exam
01:22:07I felt it was important to give you the scores myself
01:22:15These are probably not the scores you expect
01:22:22This class this sixth grade class
01:22:27tested higher
01:22:28than any other class
01:22:40You even tested higher than the honors class
01:22:44Congratulations
01:22:51Congratulations
01:22:56Congratulations, this is very interesting
01:23:07Shemika your award was going to be for highest achievement in english
01:23:12But i'm afraid i'm going to have to change that
01:23:15Because looking at your exam scores. I now see that you achieved something that no other student in the entire district
01:23:23achieved
01:23:26Shemika wallace you earned perfect scores in english and math
01:23:42Oh
01:23:55Mr. Clark
01:23:58For always being there even when we didn't want you to be
01:24:04For inspiring us to dream big. Yes, sir. Mr. C. Yeah
01:24:10And for looking like a fool when you double that
01:24:15We voted you
01:24:18The baddest teacher in town
01:24:25Oh, thank you
01:24:27Yeah
01:24:37Thank you, mr. Clark
01:24:57Events
01:25:09Okay, okay
01:25:27All right, okay
01:25:58Invasive
01:26:14Invasive
01:26:27You