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 are the four basic needs that must be addressed before focusing on education according to the principal?

What innovative resources has the school implemented to support its students?

How does the principal describe the community surrounding the school?

What is the principal's perspective on the relationship between the school and the community?

In what ways does the principal believe that equity for all children can be achieved?