Designed for district- and school-level character education committees, "Character Education by Design: A Blueprint for Successful District and School Initiatives" is a how-to guide for developing an effective character education initiative, one that will not only enhance the climate of the school and social behavior of the students, but also improve students' learning and achievement. This book was developed by a group of experienced, successful Maryland educators who are working directly with character education and who have witnessed firsthand an improved school climate through character education. These educators devised and consolidated the best practices in their school districts and surrounding counties. Their goal was to share strategies and success stories that would guide and inspire others in creating their own character education initiatives. Appendices include: (1) 20 Strategies to Help Your Children Develop Good Character; and (2) Evaluation Instruments. Individual chapters contain references. (Contains 44 resources and 12 online resources.) [This document was funded through the Partnerships in Character Education Grant, Title 4, Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Foreword by Paula McCoach. Introduction by Dr. Philip Fitch Vincent.]