(Washington, DC – February 13, 2019) — The Embassy of Italy brings more Italian language to Washington DC public schools. A new Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) between Italy and the District of Columbia was finalized today during a ceremony hosted by the Embassy with the leadership of the DC Public Schools (DCPS) administration, including Maggie White, Deputy Chief of Inner Core, and Jesse Nickelson, Director of Global Education.
“Another important step for the development of Italian language programs at all levels here in the United States,” commented Ambassador of Italy to the US Armando Varricchio. “More and more American students are now interested in learning our beautiful language and we need agreements like the one signed with DCPS to reach out to them and to train new teachers,” he added.
The specific objective of the MOA is the expansion of Italian language and cultural education Italian programs in the Nation’s Capital. In particular, the Parties agree to increase opportunities for Italian language instruction in designated elementary, middle, and high schools, offering instruction from kindergarten through Advanced Placement (AP) levels; to develop additional initiatives which will strengthen existing and new Italian language classes in DCPS schools; and to collaborate to provide opportunities for students and teachers to increase understanding of Italian language and culture through professional development, virtual and in-person exchanges, and curricular resources.