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Key Topics include:ARCHIVE · Leadership · High Stakes Testing · Trends in Education · Improving Student Performance · Urban Education · Making the Tough Decisions
Leadership and Student Achievement in Urban Schools
In this episode of the District Leaders Podcast, Dr. Jose Torres, Area Superintendent of Area 14 in Chicago Public Schools, talks about his challenges and triumphs during his time there with podcast host Carolyn Pearson. He discusses the educational leaders and his fellow superintendents who inspire him and the many initiatives of which he is the most proud. Dr. Torres also talks about some of his plans for his new endeavor as superintendent in Elgin School District U46 in Illinois.
In CPS, Dr. Torres improved SAT composite scores (reading, math, science) in grades 3-8 by 18 percentage points. He partnered with the New Teacher Center; UC Santa Cruz, California to implement a full induction model to support beginning teachers (retained 78 teachers out of 82 new to teaching during the first year of implementation
Join us for a fascinating insights into this educational leader. We know that as you hear Dr. Torres discuss his role and vision for education you will find much from which gain ideas, support, and to identify with compared to your leadership role
Biographical Background
Prior to joining District U-46, Dr. Torres served as a Regional Superintendent (Area Instruction Officer) for Area 14 in the Chicago Public Schools where he oversaw 26 schools with over 14,000 students (98% African American and 93% free and reduced lunch) serving 5 communities (Englewood, West Englewood, Chatham, Grand Crossing, Auburn Gresham). In CPS, Dr. Torres was responsible for a budget of over $104 million. In CPS, Dr. Torres improved ISAT composite scores (reading, math, science) in grades 3-8 by 18 percentage points. He partnered with the New Teacher Center, UC Santa Cruz, California to implement a full induction model to support beginning teachers (retained 78 teachers out of 82 new to teaching during the first year of implementation.
In Anne Arundel County Maryland, Dr. Torres saw dramatic results in academic achievement across the board in reading and mathematics during his tenure as Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services for Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Maryland. In his role as Assistant Superintendent for a district with over 120 schools and 75,000 students, he oversaw a budget of more than $135 million and was responsible for the special education, alternative education, pupil services and the human relations departments. Increases in academic achievement, coupled with decreases in student discipline and decreases in the number of students placed in special education were possible because of the strong partnerships created between parents, teachers, staff, community, business community, social service agencies, faith based communities, and local elected officials.
Before joining the Anne Arundel district, Dr. Torres was Superintendent of the San Ysidro School District near the Mexico/California border in San Diego County. Dr. Torres also served as a human relations specialist in Montgomery County Public Schools, as coordinator in the Baltimore City Public Schools in Maryland, and as an associate superintendent of instructional services for the San Jose Unified School District in California.
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