L'unione Fa la Forza: Making Interdisciplinary Connections at RHS

A popular Italian proverb, "L’unione fa la forza" (we are stronger united) is certainly strong and alive at Ridge High School as the Italian teachers continue working together to improve their students’ learning and deepen their pedagogical knowledge.

The 2017-2018 academic year is already an incredible year for students who, through the interdisciplinary connection approach, are gaining incredible benefits from the knowledge and talents of all the incredible staff members. The interdisciplinary approach to teaching enhances student learning and reinforces the professional collaboration among the Ridge staff members. The Italian department worked closely with Ms. Rachel Miranda, the dance teacher; Ms. Fox, Mr. Kohut, and Ms. Piper, business teachers; Ms. Fairbanks, the Latin teacher; and Ms. Kang, the ASL teacher.

Through effective Professional Learning Communities and interdisciplinary connections, the teachers at Ridge are strengthening their professional network, reinforcing students’ abilities, enhancing professional collaborations, and creating a positive school climate. The Italian students benefited from the opportunity to blend many subjects under one assignment, and they are able to demonstrate their enhanced learning experiences in the classroom.

This year, students enrolled in Italian Culture B learned a Sicilian traditional dance (the Tarantella) under the direction of Ms. Rachel Miranda, the Ridge High School Dance instructor. Mr. Kohut and Ms. Fox, teachers from the Business Department, shared their marketing expertise and assisted the AP Italian and Culture students with the creation of their original commercials of Italian products. Ms. Piper assisted the Italian students with interviewing techniques and career exploration. Ms. Fairbanks, one of the Latin teachers, shared her insights in order to teach Roman numerals to students. Ms. Kang is always willing to share ASL instructions to our Italian students.

The Italian department will continue to explore other disciplines at Ridge High School to have cross-curricular interactions and to enhance students' academic engagement.