On this day March 11 1988 the inspirational drama Stand and Deliver premiered in theaters. Directed by Ramon Menendez the film starred Edward James Olmos as real-life math teacher Jaime Escalante who transformed a struggling group of students into top performing calculus scholars.
The film was a box office success grossing 13.9 million against a modest 1.6 million budget. It became one of the most acclaimed educational dramas of all time highlighting issues of perseverance and the power of great teaching. Edward James Olmos received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his powerful performance.
80s insight: Many of the real life students depicted in the film went on to successful careers in engineering and technology proving that Escalante’s teaching methods had a lasting impact.
The film was a box office success grossing 13.9 million against a modest 1.6 million budget. It became one of the most acclaimed educational dramas of all time highlighting issues of perseverance and the power of great teaching. Edward James Olmos received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his powerful performance.
80s insight: Many of the real life students depicted in the film went on to successful careers in engineering and technology proving that Escalante’s teaching methods had a lasting impact.
