Luis Torres - Whole Community Education

Luis Torres, principal of Community School 55 in the South Bronx, discusses the challenges faced by the community, where education is a lower priority due to basic needs like food and shelter. The school provides health services and innovative programs like a music studio to support students. Torres emphasizes the need for community and school integration to improve conditions and achieve equity for all children.

What is the primary focus of families in the community served by Community School 55?

• Education

• Cultural activities

• Sports and recreation

• Food, shelter, safety, and health

What unique facility does Community School 55 have to support its students' health needs?

• A full-time medical staff

• A computer lab

• A gymnasium

• A library

What initiative is Community School 55 implementing to connect students with their cultural roots?

• A painting workshop

• A music studio focusing on hip-hop

• A theater program

• A dance studio

What shift in educational focus has Luis Torres made over the years?

• From sports to academics

• From whole child education to whole community education

• From arts to sciences

• From technology to traditional teaching methods

According to Luis Torres, what is necessary for achieving equitable standards in education?

• Focus solely on academic excellence

• More standardized testing

• Equal investment in both school and community

• Increased funding for sports