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Who: Jaime Escalante and his students What: Escalante teaches his students the value of hard work through AP Calculus Where: Los Angeles, California, in a troublesome Hispanic ghetto When: Early 1980s Why: To improve the quality of life and teach students how to succeed How: Teaching AP Calculus AB to students

** Computer Professor Teaches Troubled Californian Students the Value of Hard Work **

Words fill the hallways of Garfield High School in Los Angeles, California, in 1982, of a new mathematics teacher, Jaime A. Escalante. Escalante had his work cut out for him – he had to teach troubled students mathematical skills, even when they were not willing to cooperate. Escalante’s class consisted of approximately twenty troubled students, with most only having low middle school mathematical skills. Through cunning and wit, he was able to reach his students on a personal level, allowing them to see who they can really be. By their senior year, Escalante was teaching the students the value of hard work and effort through a rigorous AP Calculus course.

Escalante discussed topics in his class, similar to advanced algebra, trigonometry and other pre-calculus concepts. Students were initially unwilling to participate in the class, but Escalante used his wit and effective techniques, even while overstressing himself, to reach his audience. The students, in the summer that would precede their senior year, challenged themselves by working like they never have been before. By the time of their final year, the students were absolutely ready to begin their Advanced Placement Calculus studies.

What started as a basic mathematics course being taught to undetermined students evolved into a multitude of personal relationships that would stick with the kids for the rest of their lives. Escalante got them all to pass the AP Calculus exam, with only 4s and 5s for each. Many of these students learned hard work and ethical skills that would allow them to succeed in college and in the real world. Though Escalante stressed himself out, his work was recognized as a noble cause.