“Lean on Me” is a biographical-drama movie from 1989, directed by John G. Avildsen who also directed “Karate Kid”. The film stars Morgan Freeman as Joe Clark, a real-life high school principal in Paterson, New Jersey and loosely tells the story of his struggles with improving student test scores to avoid the threat of state takeover.”
Joe Louis Clark, also known as "Crazy Joe", was a teacher at Eastside High before being appointed as the new principal of the same school. This appointment followed a vicious attack on a teacher who tried to stop a fight, prompting the need for strong leadership. As principal, Clark showcases his excellent organizational skills and unyielding personality driven by his belief in making personal decisions that are correct. He can be highly emotional and aggressive towards anything or anyone obstructing his path, exemplified by his decision t
...o fire the music department for failing to meet his standards of effectiveness.
Throughout the movie, the protagonist exhibits a tendency to remove individuals who he perceives as detrimental to the greater good. However, towards the conclusion of the film, his leadership approach morphs into one of team management, with Clark and his team members genuinely dedicated to each other and a shared objective. The substandard academic performance at Eastside High can largely be attributed to a toxic atmosphere and lack of motivation. Despite the teachers' endeavors to alter the situation, their efforts are ultimately unsuccessful due to the horrendous conditions they are facing, resulting in a dearth of enthusiasm and inspiration.
Early on in the film, we are presented with a chaotic and violent school environment filled with unruly teenagers and overwhelmed teachers. The prevalence
of drugs and gang violence makes for a frustrating atmosphere, and the students struggle to meet performance expectations. Only 33% pass the practice version of the basic skills test, with a minimum passing score of 75%. Despite these challenges, Joe Clark works tirelessly to prepare his students for success. As a dedicated teacher focused on helping others, Clark takes on the campaign to ready his students for the upcoming real test.
Clark arrives at Eastside High with boundless enthusiasm, determined to effect positive change throughout the entire school. He exhibits his sincere altruism by addressing students' personal struggles, exemplified by his support of Kaneesha Carter, who faced challenges due to her mother's unemployment and an unexpected pregnancy. He is motivated by the mission to uplift the school and enhance opportunities for its students, and applies all of his expertise and knowledge towards this end. It is evident that Clark is also driven by a desire to provide exceptional service. His top priority is to ensure that the teachers are able to teach effectively and the students are able to learn successfully.
The new school principle is unwilling to lead a school where students are seen as inferior. During his inaugural speech he emphasizes that the institution is a place for learning and if it cannot be controlled, then how can anything be taught. He further states that previous approaches have failed, evident in the fact that students cannot pass basic skills tests and are unable to read adequately. As such, he has been given one year to turn things around or risk the state taking over. It is clear that the principle also desires recognition for his
efforts, which is reasonable and expected.
Although Eastside High does not offer explicit employee benefits in the film, it employs Strategic Benefit Planning to avert state control by guaranteeing that students pass a basic skills test. Whether this constitutes an employee benefit program is uncertain. To find out more, refer to
Superman and Me
.
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