New Jersey is ranked fifth nationally for the number of immigrants that have settled in our state. The number of immigrant families continues to rise and our schools and communities must meet their diverse needs. Bilingual and ESL programs are offered in 429 districts serving students from 200 languages. This diversity of languages and cultures as well as the growing minority student population in urban, suburban and rural districts presents a unique challenge to our state educational system. New Jersey educators recognize that diversity includes gender and that the issues of gender run throughout all of our diverse cultures and communities.
New Jersey is a leader in the development of gender equity in our schools.
We Are , a series of interventions, workshops and conferences focusing on cross cultural understanding, respect and harmony in schools and communities. We Are activities include workshops on conflict management and prejudice reduction education, an annual model programs conference, recognition programs, and an annual compendium of successful model programs. School districts and community agencies participate in the program by attending the events or nominating a model program or activity. Many district and community programs are represented here. Many of these programs have been established as annual events that will continue to play important roles as districts and communities address issues of diversity and equity.