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Schools of
Character
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 The John Templeton
Foundation is funding several initiatives to promote and
document effective strategies in modern character education. One
initiative involves the Character Education Partnership (CEP)
in Washington D.C. and the Center for the Advancement of Ethics
and Character (CAEC)
at Boston University. The project, entitled The National Schools
of Character Awards Program, identifies and rewards schools
demonstrating comprehensive character education. Participating
schools are required to perform a self-assessment based upon CEP’s
11 Principles of Effective Character Education. Each school must
evaluate whether their character education program is
comprehensively defined to include thinking, feeling, and behavior.
The schools must also determine whether their initiative involves a
proactive approach to promoting core values in all phases of the
school life. The CAEC led team reviewed the applicants and conducted
site visits to validate the self-reported school applications. Dr.
Wangaard, Director of SEE was privileged to participate as a
member of the site visitation team.
Kennedy Middle School in Eugene, Oregon, one of the semifinalist schools, is
an excellent example of vision and leadership in character
education. Four years ago, the principal, faculty, students,
parents, and community members wrote three school improvements
goals. One of the goals targeted an improvement of the school
environment and student behavior. In order to achieve this goal, the
school adopted a prosocial skills program called Second Step (see
Committee for Children in highlighted resources for more
information). They also implemented a number of strategies to
improve the sense of community at the school. Some of the changes
included lowering class sizes, instituting regular class meetings
for discussion and problem solving, and setting school-wide
expectations focused on respect.
With the mature
implementation of their Second Step program, Kennedy Middle School
demonstrates several aspects of a healthy and positive school
environment. Teachers and students are involved in a variety of
service activities in and out of the school, and they recognize
clear steps in problem solving and conflict resolution. The school
staff is unified and empowered in the planning and administration of
professional development. Parent volunteers are key partners in many
of the service and extra-curricular activities.
Teachers and
administrators at Kennedy Middle School have seen several positive
results since the beginning of their character education initiative.
Test scores are increasing while office referrals and fighting have
decreased. These standards are encouraging, but one great benefit
has been the students’ descriptions of their school, “Awesome,
fantastic, challenging, and exciting.” With such enthusiastic
praise, you almost forget that American middle school students are
describing school.
If you would like to
nominate your school for the Schools of Character Awards Program, or
you would like more information, contact the CEP office at (800)
988-8081.
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