With a concern that younger generations will forget where they came from, some teachers throughout the Garden State are weaving Italian-American history and culture into their lesson plans.
New Jersey?s Italian American Heritage Commission came up with a curriculum that integrates Italy into language classes, art history, English class and U.S. history. The state Department of Education promotes the curriculum.
?This isn?t just about honoring Italians,? Sandra Alberti, of the New Jersey Department of Education, said. ?It?s about the world heritage and diversity and making sure that as educators we promote positive images and accurate information about all of our groups.?
Students at Kumpf Middle School in Clark say it is important to know that Italian is more than just a language, it?s a culture with so much history. Many teachers say it is also important to break the stereotypes associated with some cultures.
Related Information:NJ's Family Tree: The Flavors of Little Italy - Newark NJ's Family Tree: The Flavors of Little Italy - TrentonCoccia InstituteTheNJ Institute of Italian and Italian American Heritage CommissionTheParish of Our Lady of the AngelsItalianTribuneItalian Tribune Article on News12NJ Program