Character Education

Book excerpt: Contemporary schools require far more than just "the three R's". Beyond the books and tests, educational facilities are expected to produce members of society with integrity, as well. Character education is an abstract idea that many educators, both teachers and administrators, have a difficult time implementing, and too often it gets left out of the curriculum. How do school personnel, then, instill values of good character in students, and as an administrator, how do you spread these values to the entire school? DeRoche and Williams provide school leaders with an effective road map, touring schools that have achieved success. The authors divide the reader's journey through reform efforts into several "tour stops," beginning with a review of the character education framework, passing through subjects such as school climate, core values, training personnel, forming relationships, and concluding with guidelines for evaluation. Each "stop" contains a list of helpful articles or books, as well as valuable Internet resources. The conclusion of the journey is ultimately the responsibility of school leaders, but this book will give you a head start.