I went each year to Ross’ class play, taking a seat in front row center so I could videotape. One year, this put me right next to a dignified old woman who had to be Signora Pavone, the retired principal of Setti Carraro. Our friend Patrizia, whose recommendation had originally helped get Ross into the… Continue reading The Old School Tie
Tag: Italian education
Some Positive Aspects of Italian Education
Kids commuting into Lecco for high school I have devoted many words to the things I don’t like in the Italian education system; now it’s time to talk about some things that I do like, particularly in comparison with the American system. American schools are largely funded by property taxes in each local school district:… Continue reading Some Positive Aspects of Italian Education
Italian High Schools
Some Observations from a Non-Italian Parent The Italian public high school system is complex, with dozens of different types of schools, divided into two major branches, licei and institutes. The licei were traditionally the college-preparatory schools, while the technical and professional institutes were intended to put people directly into the workforce. I say “were,” because… Continue reading Italian High Schools
Religion in Italian Schools
An agreement was made in 1884 between the Italian Republic and the Vatican, modified by the Lateran Concorde of 1929, and ratified in a new law in 1985, which reads: The Italian Republic, recognizing the value of religious culture, and keeping in mind that the principles of Catholicism are part of the historic patrimony of… Continue reading Religion in Italian Schools
Evolution: How It is Taught in Italian Schools
“A new Great Awakening is sweeping the country, with Americans increasingly telling pollsters that they believe in prayer and miracles, while only 28 percent say they believe in evolution.” Nicholas Kristof, NYT, Jan 7, 2003 This shouldn’t be surprising, given that, in some parts of America, public schools are required to teach evolution with disclaimers that it… Continue reading Evolution: How It is Taught in Italian Schools