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 Modern
character education is maturing! What justifies this
statement? The attention of critics and grant funding at the
national level provide some evidence. Critics will always be
attracted to a growing grass-roots movement, and national
funding typically requires evidence of local success.
Like many grassroots
efforts, modern character education began with the vision and energy of
practitioners. Professional development often occurs through the services of
private consultants, homegrown experts and conferences. One sign of the growing
maturity for character education is the critics who are springing up to
challenge character education programs. Author and speaker Alfie Kohn is one of
character education’s most vocal challengers. In recent Phi Delta Kappan
(February 1998) articles, a debate continues between Mr. Kohn and advocates of
modern character education. The definition of good practice for modern character
education can only mature as this discussion continues.
Simultaneously, there are
national efforts to fund assessments and guidelines for character education
programs. The John Templeton Foundation is funding a number of
initiatives to promote good practice and document what is working under the
banner of modern character education. The Templeton Foundation’s work in
higher education and K-12 schools is a catalyst for maturing character education
programs.
One initiative funded
by Templeton involves a collaborative project with the Character Education
Partnership (CEP) in Washington, DC and the Center for the Advancement of
Ethics and Character (CAEC) at Boston University. Their project is called,
The National Schools of Character Awards Program. The project’s goals
include the identification and recognition of schools with comprehensive
character education initiatives. Award guidelines request school staff to
present a self-assessment of their program based on CEP’s 11 Principles
of Effective Character Education. These principles include: 1.Character
education that promotes core ethical values as the basis of good character, and
2.Effective character education requires an intentional, proactive, and
comprehensive approach that promotes the core values in all phases of school
life.
CAEC
and CEP staff are currently involved in evaluating 100
applications, visiting school sites and making recommendations
for a group of finalists to be chosen. Names and stories of
these finalists will be published next fall.
This
is a challenging process for the schools involved. It is also
a healthy exercise for the national character education
movement. The Templeton Foundation, CEP and CAEC are to be
commended for their work to advance good practice and help
mature modern character education. Contact the CEP office
(800) 988-8081 if you believe your school should apply for
this award in 1999-2000.
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