Stand and Deliver is an American drama filmed in 1988 based on the non-fictional story of a mathematics teacher named Jaime Escalante. Escalante becomes a mathematics teacher at Garfield High School where he faces the daily challenge of teaching an uninspired class. The pupils face many difficulties in their learning, they are well below the average grades and are deemed incapable by many of the teachers in the school. During a staff meeting Escalante confronts the other teachers’ low expectations of their pupils and sets an ultimate goal of getting his pupils through the AP Calculus Exam. Other teachers think he is crazy however his undying determination and commitment sees all eighteen of his pupils pass the calculus exam despite allegations of cheating by the Educational Testing Service. Yet again Escalante shows sheer grit and determination by defending his hardworking pupils by challenging the exam board and allowing all eighteen pupils to re-sit the exam with every pupil passing with top grades. The story is extremely inspirational as it demonstrates the ability of a strong-minded, dedicated teacher to challenge and change not only pupils’, but teachers’ perceptions of mathematics and the ability of lower-class children to succeed.

It could be argued that Jaime Escalante is different due to his unwillingness to give up on a class of ‘less abled’ pupils. He shows that he is unlike other teachers at Garfield High School by challenging their opinions of the pupils’ abilities. He uses controversial teaching points (such as making one pupil sit at the front of the class for not cooperating in the class test) to control his class. Although debateable, his techniques provide him with the capability to break down barriers and build relationships with each of his pupils. His commitment to his class was inspiring, dedicating over sixty hours a week to improving his class’ knowledge on the subject, running extra classes after school, throughout holidays and on weekends. He was determined not to let his pupils down despite facing ill health through exhaustion. Through providing his pupils with insight as to the relevance of mathematics in the real world the teacher further encouraged the students’ willingness to learn. Despite facing several challenges Escalante never gives up. He gains the respect of his pupils and their families and even goes to great lengths to keep several of the pupils in school on the prospect of them passing the exam and furthering their education. After the exam, Escalante’s hard work is rewarded through every pupil passing the exam. Not only did his hard work benefit each and every one of the pupils’ in his class, he showed the school that negative teacher mind-set and low expectations only prevents achievement. Garfield High School’s grades rose each year after Escalante’s success. His sheer grit and resolve makes him a true inspiration.

Reference:

Stand And Deliver. Ramón Menéndez, 1998. DVD.