We must teach all our students at every grade level to confront the sources of bias and discrimination that surface in their daily lives. Doing so will prepare students to reevaluate their own attitudes and actions and those of others that may contribute to the continuation of prejudice and ignorance. Through effective school programs and classroom practices that promote respect, peace and harmony, we can effectively prepare the next generation of citizens to be peace makers and true leaders. We Are catalogues model programs nominated by school districts and community agencies throughout New Jersey. It is intended to help schools and communities promote respect and diversity and maximum achievement of all students through the adoption of these successful programs.
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.