Teachers Challenged To Motivate Low-Income Students

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - For school districts across the country, these first two weeks of September herald the beginning of a new year but there are many disparities. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania it's the lack of funding; in California, educators have opportunities for flexible funding for those in greatest need.

But despite variations, for all children the goal should be high expectations and a 1988 film, "Stand and Deliver," provides a true story that is still shown to teachers, principals and kids as inspiration.

It features Jaime Escalante, a math teacher in East Los Angeles in a school with low income students known for poor achievement. Through motivation and hard work, Escalante convinced them they could pass the AP calculus test but when they did, stereotyping stepped in. The College Board questioned their success.

Upon retesting, the students proved their skill and since then "Stand and Deliver," remains a shining example of how belief in kids, commitment and confidence build success.