Cross-experiences of ethnic schools in Italy and the United States (Tri-state Area) during covid pandemic - challenges, strategies and problems.

Abstract

Our research continued throughout the two academic years of pandemic. We present different attitudes related to education in Italy, the first country in Europe to be extremely hard hit by the outbreak of the pandemic, and in the US, including New York City. Teaching in ethnic bilingual schools is not compulsory, and the regulation of their operation was not the most significant problem during the first weeks of the pandemic. The authors of the study compare the experiences and methods of solving problems from the beginning of the crisis, during it and at the end of subsequent lockdowns. At the same time, the cultural differences of both countries and financial resources are revealed. The experiences and developed strategies of working with students prove the great responsibility of the people who make up this communities.