Most classrooms kill creativity by third grade — but Don Wettrick's students file patents, pitch business plans, and speak at Stanford instead.
A high school teacher outside Indianapolis threw out traditional lesson plans after watching a Daniel Pink TED talk and introduced "20% time" — letting students spend a fifth of class pursuing projects they actually care about. The results? Kids who were disengaged grade-chasers transformed into entrepreneurs and inventors. The model, borrowed from Google's famous employee perk, flips the script from compliance to creativity, replacing busywork with real-world problem-solving.
Introduction to Don Wettrick
Don Wettrick teaches an innovation class at Noblesville High School. After seeing Daniel Pink's TED talk on motivation, he implemented the '20% time' model in his classroom.
The Origin of the Innovation Class
Initial struggles with students adapting to the new model of creativity and autonomy.
Engaging Students Through Creativity
Students often expect strict guidance and grades rather than pursuing their passions. Research shows students typically lose internal motivation around third grade due to standardized testing pressures.
The Shift from Grades to Purpose
Fostering internal motivation and redefining success in education beyond just grades. Autonomy, mastery, and purpose drive engagement more than external rewards.
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Implementation of 20% Time in Class
Students pursue projects they're passionate about, developing skills applicable beyond school and fostering entrepreneurial spirit.
The Importance of Community Involvement
Connecting students with local entrepreneurs for real-world learning experiences. Students engage in community-oriented projects that serve local needs.
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The Future of Education
Vision for broader implementation of innovative practices across schools, starting with 20% time or genius hour in elementary schools from third grade onward.
Key Quotes:
- "We've told students for years to sit down and shut up and wait instructions."
- "Innovation is born in kindergarten. We beat it out of them by third grade."
- "The greatest waste of human potential right now is Instagram and Facebook."
- "Put in that purpose in there, and you've got a much different person."
- "Every grade school starting at least a third grade has a 20% time or genius hour."
Resources:
- Daniel Pink's TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_on_motivation
- Freakonomics Podcast: http://freakonomics.com/archive/
- Future Ready U: https://futurereadyu.com
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