Chester Shares Curriculum With Chinese Educators

As part of their exploratory trip in the United States, nearly two dozen principals from China visited Black River Middle School Feb. 1 to learn about American schools and curriculum.

The principals are from kindergarten, elementary schools, and secondary schools from Shanghai Chongming County," said language arts teacher Joseph Pizzo. "My colleague and friend Chiang Kao and I have arranged the visit through Mr. Robert Mullen, my principal."

According to a report by the Daily Record, the Chinese delegation saw a presentation on curriculum and asked questions of those assembled to glean inisight on how the classrooms were set up to how students get enrolled in the school.

Chester Superintendent Christina Van Woert told the Daily Record that Black River Middle School is one of only 43 schools nationally designated as a School to Watch. It has has drawn visiting educators from around the state before but never from this far. “It’s very exciting,” she said. “We welcome these visits. They’re a lot of fun for us.”

Pizzo said after the presentation the principals toured the school and stayed for a few minutes in each room, observing and taking. Pizzo also said he hopes Friday was the beginning of a long relationship between Chester and Shanghai Chongming County schools.

You can see more photos, video and read the Daily Record story by clicking here.