What is Character Education?

Character Education is all of the activities and strategies which develop and reinforce those characteristics which support a democratic society. Some core beliefs and values behind this initiatve include:

Character Education is to be implemented as part of each school's contiuous school improvement process. In other words, each school will best determine how to implement its own program.

The promotion of Character Education requires a partnership among parents, students, business leaders, community members, civic organizations, religious groups, educators and service organizations.

Students must be not only familiar with the traits, but live the connections with the potential for positively contributing to family experiences, school and the workplace.

Adults throughout the community must consistently model the character traits students are to develop and demonstrate.

What Are the CCPS Character Traits?

Each month, all schools focus on a thematic character trait. They are:

	Aug-Sept	Respect
	October	Responsibility/Trustworthiness
	November	Cooperation/Kindness/Courtesy
	December	Helpfulness/Service
	January	Integrity
	February	Justice/Fairness
	March	Self-Discipline/Dependability
	April	Self-Confidence
	May/June	Self-Direction/Perseverance

---

Want to Learn More About Character Education?

Recommended Reading

Building Character (PDF Format), May's Newsletter focuses on Perserverence.

Brooks, David and Frank Goble. The Case of Character Education: The Role of the School in Teaching Values and Virtue. Prima Publishing, 1997.

Brown, Deb Austin. Lessons From the Rocking Chair: Timeless Stories for Teaching Character. Character Development Group, 1998.

Covey, Stephen. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People : Restoring the Character Ethic. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1990.

Covey, Stephen. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families : Building a Beautiful Family Culture in a Turbulent World. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1997.

Covey, Stephen. Living the Seven Habits : Stories of Courage and Inspiration. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1999.

Gough, Russell W. Character is Destiny: The Value of Personal Ethics in Everyday Life. Forum/Prima Publishing.

Lickona, Thomas. Educating for Character: How Our Schools Can Teacher Respect and Responsibility. New York: Bantom Books, 1991.

Ryan, Kevin Building Character in Schools: Practical Ways to Bring Moral Instruction to Life. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1999.

Urban, Hal. Life's Greatest Lessons: 20 Things I Want My Kids to Know. Simon & Schuster.

South Carroll High School,
A National School of Character

Last Updated May 4, 2007