Stand and Deliver

A closer look at the story

Jaime Escalante teaches mathematics at a school in a largely Hispanic neighbourhood of East Los Angeles. Few people at the school expect much from these pupils; among them are gang members and teenagers whose futures have long been written off. Escalante, however, is utterly convinced that his students have enormous potential waiting to be unlocked. Refusing to accept the limits the system has placed on them, he turns to unusual and inventive ways of teaching. His goal is remarkably ambitious: to make these young people some of the most successful algebra and calculus students in the nation. Escalante's determination, patience and faith in his class gradually begin to change the atmosphere in the classroom. Inspired by a true story, the film celebrates the power of education to transform lives. Directed by Ramón Menéndez, who wrote the script with Tom Musca, this 103-minute 1988 drama stars Edward James Olmos as Escalante, with Lou Diamond Phillips and Andy Garcia also in the cast.