NCJ Number
194467
Date Published
August 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the concept of teaching academics in combination with character.
Abstract
The focus of education in America, until recently, has been primarily on developing academic skills rather than social competencies. In the 1990's, a movement emerged to begin teaching academics in combination with character. Since 1996, the U.S. Department of Education has awarded more than $25 million dollars to States to assist in developing character education programs. Although there are many definitions of character education, a commonly accepted one is "an integrated, intentional effort to help students understand, develop, and use commonly accepted ethical values." Fundamental elements required for a successful character education program include: (1) community participation; (2) an integrated curriculum across all subject areas and grades; (3) character traits that can be identified and clearly defined; (4) a strong experiential, service learning component; and (5) outcome assessment. The paper includes brief descriptions of five character education programs and links to 37 sites related to character education and character education programs. References, bibliography