This report outlines key components of effective character education and allows schools and districts to assess their efforts in relation to these criteria. The instrument provides a means for reflecting on current practices, identifying short and long-term objectives, and developing or improving a strategic plan. Each of the "Eleven Principles of Effective Character Education[TM]" is delineated in three to four scoring items. A seven-step evaluation process is described: (1) Identify objective, non-biased evaluators from the school community or outside sources; (2) Score each item on a Likert scale; (3) Quality, frequency and intensity of practice are more important than quantity; (4) Avoid fractional scores; (5) Determine average score for each principle; the average score need not be a whole number; (6) Determine total average score for the school/district by summing the average scores and dividing by 11; and (7) Consider representing scores by using a graph.