Character Education
Informational
Handbook & Guide
Suggestions for Character
Implementation and Development
in High Schools
1. Establish rituals and
traditions. For example, I have been in several high schools where
the seniors are assigned to mentor and support in-coming freshman. I
have also noted that in assemblies all rise for the seniors who enter
as a group and who sit down front. Seniors are also the first to
leave. Underclassmen have told me that they do not mind standing
because one day, “Everyone will stand for me.”
2. Establish consistent rules and
procedures for the school. Enforce consequences for tardies and other
unacceptable behaviors. This helps build a sense of responsibility in
students and provides a more positive environment.
3. Involve student government in
formulating plans on how to promote character development and
civility in a high school. One high school’s efforts is
highlighted in the book Rules and Procedures: The First Step in
School Civility.
4. The importance of character
should be promoted throughout the school. This can be through posters
and bulletin boards in classrooms as well as hallways. Monday
announcements should address those students who have participated in
service projects during the weekend. Ask the faith communities and
service clubs to fax participants of service activities to the
school.
5. Much in character education is
caught and not taught. Teachers must model what they want their
students to do. Greet students at the door. Have homework and
classwork posted in the same places every day. Take time to help
students before and after school. Arrive at school on time every day.
If students have to be at school on time so should all teachers.
Remember, be the moral compass for the students.
6. Consider writing a “Chicken
Soup” type book within your school. Hixon High School in
Chattanooga, Tennessee did just this. The students wrote about
parents, teachers and others in the community who have made a
difference in their lives.
7. Encourage employers to request
that a prospective employee provide not only the academic record but
also his/her attendance, and any listings of suspensions or
expulsions. The student can deny this request, but the employer is
sending a message that your attendance and civility in school
matters. Share with students that employers are requesting this
information.
8. Celebrate academics, athletics
and character. One high school in Indiana has three entrances. One
entrance celebrates the academic efforts over the history of the
school. Another celebrates the athletic. The third entrance
celebrates the good citizens of the school.
9. Infuse character into the
curriculum. This is not an “add-on.” It must reflect the
“ethos” or life of the school. Each discipline should be
responsible for a presentation on how character is being developed
within its curriculum.
10. The faculty must treat their
peers with respect. Faculty meetings are not for grading papers.
Educators must develop the habit of treating those who are presenting
ideas with respect and dignity. In addition, each faculty meeting
should involve some discussion on the character-building efforts of
the school.
11. Maintain and enforce a
consistent dress code. This does not necessarily mean uniforms, but
it does mean appropriate dress for school. Communicate this with
parents as well as students.
12. Have staff trained in
strategies such as seminar teaching and cooperative learning. These
strategies have been shown to increase civility between students and
also between teacher and students.
13. Recognize that character is as
important as academics. If students are more civil to each other,
then the teacher has more time to teach, and the student has more
time to learn. Academic standards rise in civil environments. As
educators, we must be the compass for this to occur.
Dr. Philip Fitch Vincent,
Character Development Group, Chapel Hill, NC
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