In Hidden Figures we learn that even brilliant individuals cannot change unjust systems alone.

This debate-driven case study uses Hidden Figures to explore System-Level Leadership and the courage required to challenge institutional barriers rather than just individual behavior.

This is not a movie worksheet.
It is a structured leadership lab.

Students examine how leadership operates inside institutions, how systems protect inequity, and what it takes to shift policy, culture, and power structures.

Students Will:

• Commit to a position before viewing
• Analyze scenario-based leadership dilemmas
• Build a leadership lens focused on systems thinking
• Track leadership decisions and their consequences
• Engage in structured discussion or debate
• Reflect on how leadership extends beyond individual action

Central Claim:

“Real leadership challenges systems, not just people.”

Students must decide whether they agree or disagree — and defend their position with evidence.

What’s Included:

Student Materials – Curated for the film Hidden Figures
• Position Commitment Sheet
• Scenario Analysis Sheet
• Build the Lens (Trait Development)
• Film Analysis Tracker – Structured Version
• Film Analysis Tracker – Guided Version
• Film Analysis Tracker – Open Version
• Final Reflection – Reckon

Teacher Guide – Curated for the film Hidden Figures
• Lesson flow for all modules
• Scenario discussion guidance
• Facilitation notes
• Structured debate options
• Reflection guidance

Includes both PDF and editable DOCX versions for your convenience.

Best For:

• Character Education
• Leadership Courses
• Civics / Government
• Advisory
• Social Studies
• Film Studies
• Grades 8–12

This Case File works beautifully as a 2–3 day mini-unit or as part of a larger Leadership Through Film series.

Students leave not just discussing a movie — but analyzing how real leadership changes structures that shape people’s lives.

The post Lead or Follow? Case File #9 – Hidden Figures first appeared on Tracie Joy.

This is not a movie worksheet.

Students begin by taking a binary position on the claim:

“No one is coming to save you but you.”

They publicly commit, analyze real-world leadership dilemmas, build a shared vocabulary, track leadership decisions throughout the film, and revisit their original thinking in a structured closing debate.

This Case File transforms Coach Carter into a leadership case study.

What Makes This Different?

• Debate-first structure
• Flexible pacing (4–6 sessions)
• Built-in differentiation
• Three film tracker formats
• Sub-day friendly modules
• Growth-focused reflection
• Simple, teacher-friendly rubric

This is not busywork.

This is structured engagement.

What’s Included

Teacher Guide

• About the Series philosophy page
• Implementation Guide
• Discussion norms and safety guidance
• Five-module instructional arc
• Differentiation notes
• Two side-switch options (dramatic or quiet)
• Simple 16-point debate rubric

Student Materials

• Position Commitment Sheet
• Scenario Analysis Sheet
• Leadership Styles Lens Builder
• Film Tracker (Structured Version)
• Film Tracker (Guided Version)
• Film Tracker (Open Version)
• Final Reflection – Reckon

Flexible Use Options

This Case File may be used:

• As a full leadership unit
• During film analysis weeks
• As a structured sub-day plan (Modules 2–4)
• In block or traditional schedules

You control the pacing.
The framework provides the structure.

Ideal For

• High school English
• Social Studies
• Advisory
• Leadership electives
• Character education programs
• Includes a ready-to-print PDF and an editable Word (.docx) version so you can adapt materials to fit your classroom.

The post Lead or Follow? Coach Carter A Debate-Driven Leadership & Character Development Case Study first appeared on Tracie Joy.