The dynamic in this one was very interesting as well in the sense that a reputation is only worth something to those that are aware/care about it, in which case you can get away with plenty in the present due to what you've done in the past. Social proof goes a long way to defining roles and this the streets know well...
Same thing with education, if people think you're smart based on rep then even if you say something stupid they'll think they're the ones that are too dim to get it because you're on a whole nother level. Modern Art exploits this foible a lot because a lot of them are straight up trolls. People fall for it though because they want to seem like they're with it and know the intent, get the message and decode the frequency even if there really is nothing there to be seen at all. Emperors new clothes in full effect is the hallmark of the modern world.
Back to Class Act, it really highlighted the differences between educational systems based on wealth/poverty not only what they teach but how, resources allocated, sizes of the class, social environment etc.. ironically those who need the most get the least and here we are.
There's loads of commentary in every aspect of the movie, watch it again with an open mind and fully grown eyes and you'll see what I mean... Even the title works on many levels.