A structured learning environment, constant reading and dedicated teachers have made the difference, Hurwitz told On Board during a visit to the school, located on Manhattan's East Side. Learning environment Hurwitz, a slight woman whose office telephone rings constantly, is used to her school being recognized for spurring low-income children to high achievement. Start with high expectations and enrich learning with multicultural perspectives, Hurwitz told the Education Priorities Panel. I firmly believe that our children will not be able to join the middle class unless they are educated at a very high standard and given cultural experiences so they know about the world. Practically every inch of space is covered with colorful student creations.
Bulletin boards shout out reminders of the importance of education.
In many of the classrooms large sheets of instructions, formulas and guidelines hang from wires stretched across the ceiling. A short, Hispanic woman with a quick smile, Castillo displays an encyclopedic knowledge of the school and its occupants. Hurwitz describes her as a neighborhood institution. She addresses students by name and shares a warm rapport with the school staff. She knows from memory exactly what each class is doing at any given time.