This is an
exciting time to be educating for character! The
grass roots support in the promotion of ethics
and character can be seen regularly in the media,
public polling and the attendance at
character-related seminars and conferences.
While personally
encouraged by the growing character-education
movement, I still pause to consider the advice of
my friend Phil Vincent (author and
consultant with the Character Development
Group) who cautions educators, "We
must be careful to promote authentic character
development and resist the appeal of Character
Light."
Authentic vs.
Light character – what are some of the
distinctions? Schools can slip into the promotion
of Character Light if their character
initiative emphasizes posters, incentives and
workbook programs to the exclusion of developing
comprehensive character education.
Tom Lickona
advocates comprehensive character education to
create caring classroom communities. These caring
classroom communities can be defined by high
character goals, student leadership observed in
democratic classrooms, and the integration of
literature rich in character meaning throughout
the curriculum.
As we progress
through this new school year let us all commit to
authentic and comprehensive ethics and character
education as opposed to Character Light.
Our 21st century communities will be grateful.
Do you have ideas
and recommendations for comprehensive character
education? I welcome hearing from you with the
goal of including your successful practices in
upcoming newsletters. You may write or e-mail
your ideas to the conventional or the virtual
addresses provided on our Home Page.
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