Stupid in America

“Stupid in America” may come off as a harsh title for a documentary on public education, but sometimes, a dose of harsh reality is what’s needed to spark change. This eye-opening program takes an unflinching look at the state of America’s public schools, shedding light on some deeply concerning issues that demand our attention. From disengaged teachers to students resorting to drug use as a norm, it’s a candid exploration of the challenges lurking within our educational system.

During our quest to capture the truth within American schools, “20/20” encountered various obstacles, as officials often hesitated to expose the unfiltered reality. In the halls of New York’s Abraham Lincoln High School, students shared stories of uninspiring teachers who struggled to hold their attention. It was disturbingly common for students to nod off during class. In fact, one student casually mentioned that witnessing classmates smoking weed in school was nothing out of the ordinary.

Our mission to unveil the real classroom experiences faced roadblocks across the nation, as state after state denied access to typical classrooms. Eventually, in Washington, D.C., we were allowed a glimpse into what some consider to be the best schools in America, like Woodrow Wilson High. However, what our student cameramen captured inside was far from reassuring.

In one instance, a teacher struggled to maintain order in the classroom, while another student filmed a peer dancing wildly with his shirt off, right in front of the teacher. As you watch this documentary, you’ll have the opportunity to form your own perspective: Is the American education system falling short in preparing our youth for the future?