Examines the topic of character education, with specific references to the Fall 1996 National Council on the Social Studies (NCSS) Position Statement on Character Education. The NCSS emphasized the connection between character education and citizenship education and recommended that both be integrated into curriculum and instruction. (MJP)

Provides criteria to apply when considering the development or purchase of programs or instructional materials for character education. Establishes the importance of including character education in professional development, both at the inservice and preservice levels. Includes a list of six teaching principles for effective character educators.…

Articulates an expanded vision of citizenship education that incorporates two powerful reform movements: character education and community service. Addresses the reservations teachers have about initiating these programs and provides suggestions for organization and administration. Includes a list of student-designed citizenship education…

Examines the planning, implementation, and mission of the Clearinghouse for Character Education at California State University, Fresno. Materials collected at the Clearinghouse include samples of model programs, research, contacts for program development, and instructional resources for teachers, schools, and districts interested in character…

Calls for a renewed effort by educators, schools, and communities to teach character and civic virtue. Discusses the role of civic education within the social studies curriculum and the impetus for affirming democratic principles and ideals. Recommends incorporating character education within the traditional subjects of civics, history, and…

Reports on the results of a survey of states regarding support for character education. Discovers that there is broad national support for character education that incorporates varying forms of interpretation and implementation. Includes a copy of each survey question followed by an analysis of the responses. (MJP)

Describes the focus and activities of the schools involved in California's "Partnerships in Character Education" project. In its third year, the pilot project has developed five separate school programs. Team members assess the environment of the school and design a program incorporating adult modeling and curriculum integration. (MJP)

Provides a brief historical background for the current character education movement. Identifies mandates and support for character education in California's schools and shares implications of the character education movement for California teachers. Includes a list of California's Standards for the Teaching Profession regarding character…

Reports on the work of the Child Development Project. The project outlined a series of approaches and characteristics shared by successful character development school programs. These include creating a caring community, a social constructivist approach to staff development, use of cooperative learning strategies, autonomy, belonging, and…

Profiles the implementation and accomplishments of the Allen Classical/Traditional Academy in Dayton, Ohio. The elementary magnet school integrated a character education program into its classical education curriculum. Discusses the specifics of this program including the use of a discipline plan and school uniforms. (MJP)

Describes the planning and implementation of a locally developed program built on superintendent leadership, administrator and teacher participation, and community support. Outlines the work done by steering and curriculum committees and their role in garnering community support. Recent evidence suggests a decrease in school and classroom…