Stand and Deliver

Stand and Deliver

Year: 1988

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: Ramón Menéndez

BiographyDrama

A dedicated high school math teacher, Jaime Escalante, inspires a class of predominantly Latino students in Los Angeles to pursue calculus. Facing prejudice, systemic challenges, and skepticism from the school administration, he pushes them to achieve remarkable success. Their accomplishments are met with accusations of cheating, forcing Escalante and his students to fight to prove their abilities and defend their hard-earned victory.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Stand and Deliver (1988)

Trace every key event in Stand and Deliver (1988) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Escalante Takes the Plunge

Jaime A. Escalante decides to leave his steady job, taking a significant pay cut to become a teacher at James A. Garfield High School. His ambitious mission is to inspire students in a community that often overlooks education in favor of quick fixes.

James A. Garfield High School, Eastern LA
2

Facing Initial Hostility

Upon arriving at Garfield High, Escalante is met with hostility and resistance from students. They challenge his authority with taunts, and it becomes clear that he must find a way to earn their respect amidst their personal struggles.

James A. Garfield High School
3

Innovative Teaching Methods

Escalante begins to employ innovative teaching methods, using humor and relatable examples to engage his students in mathematics. His charismatic approach slowly starts to break down the barriers of apathy and rebellion among the students.

James A. Garfield High School
4

Recognizing Hidden Potential

While teaching Math 1A, Escalante discovers that his students possess untapped potential, far exceeding what school authorities believe. Undeterred by skepticism, he pushes them to aim higher and strive for AP Calculus.

James A. Garfield High School
5

Rigorous Curriculum Develops

Escalante develops a rigorous curriculum that not only excites the students but also challenges them to take on AP Calculus by their senior year. This program requires extensive summer classes and Saturday sessions, pushing students outside their comfort zones.

James A. Garfield High School
6

Balancing Home and School Life

As the students engage in their rigorous academic pursuits, they grapple with the conflicting pressures of their home lives and school ambitions. Escalante's mentorship helps them find their voices, motivating them to overcome low expectations.

James A. Garfield High School
7

AP Calculus Exam Day

The day finally arrives for the students to take their AP Calculus exam. After a year of hard work and stress, they experience a moment of relief and joy upon completing the challenging test, feeling proud of their accomplishments.

Spring, Senior Year James A. Garfield High School
8

Accusations Arise

Shortly after the exam, the Educational Testing Service questions the validity of the students' scores. They cite improbable patterns in their answers, leading to a sense of outrage among the students and Escalante.

9

Confronting the Investigators

Escalante decides to confront the professors investigating the students' scores, acknowledging the possibility that their methods of scoring similarities were unintentional. This confrontation highlights the racial and economic prejudices the students face.

10

Retaking the AP Exam

Determined to validate their hard work, Escalante and his students agree to retake the AP Calculus exam at the end of summer. With only one day to prepare for the test, the pressure mounts, but they are resolute in showcasing their true abilities.

End of Summer
11

Achieving Success Again

After intense preparation, the students pass the AP exam once more, reaffirming their capabilities. Their success is a testament to their hard work and Escalante's unwavering belief in their potential.

12

Demanding Respect

Following their successful retake, Escalante calmly insists on the reinstatement of the students' original scores. This demand serves to validate their achievements, asserting that their accomplishments are true fruits of their labor.

13

A Lasting Legacy

In the end, Escalante's commitment to his students transforms not only their lives but also the perception of education in their community. His dedication embodies the essence of resilience and vision, leaving a powerful legacy.

James A. Garfield High School, Eastern LA

Last Updated: November 07, 2024 at 23:22

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Stand and Deliver Summary

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Stand and Deliver Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Stand and Deliver

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Stand and Deliver

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