Character Education
Informational
Handbook & Guide
Overview of this Handbook and
Guide
“Intelligence plus character -
that is the goal of true education.”
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
This handbook, as well as the
information provided, is intended for use as an introductory guide to
character education for local boards of education, superintendents,
character education liaisons/coordinators, principals, teachers,
community members, and anyone influencing the lives of our children
through our public schools.
In the fall of 2001, the Student
Citizen Act of 2001 (SL 2001-363) was passed into law by the North
Carolina State Legislature. This Act requires every local board of
education to develop and implement character education instruction
with input from the local community. In addition, the legislation
directs the State Board of Education to modify the middle and high
school social studies curriculum to include instruction in civic and
citizenship education. The Act also calls for local boards of
education to adopt reasonable dress codes for students.
With the passage of the Student
Citizen Act of 2001, the state of North Carolina has affirmed that
the development of character in our children is the cornerstone of
education. In fact, throughout history, the very foundation of
American education has been the preparation of students for life and
full participation in a democratic society. Benjamin Franklin said,
“Nothing is more important to the public weal
[well-being] than to form and train up youth in wisdom and
virtue.”
Today, more than ever, societal
needs call for a renewed emphasis on traits such as respect,
responsibility, integrity, and citizenship in the public schools.
While many teachers and administrators across the state are
effectively fostering the development of character in students, there
is still much work to do.
Character education is not new to
North Carolina, but it is time for a renewed commitment from our
local boards of education and all of our schools, both to meet the
requirements of the law and to make progress in priority areas facing
our teachers and schools. For example, character education is, or can
be, a key component in the following areas:
• Improving school and
classroom climate
• Creating safer (Safe &
Drug Free) and more caring schools
• Closing the achievement
gap
• Helping address teacher
recruitment and retention
• Academic achievement for
all
• Academic
integrity
• Professional
ethics
• Athletic and extracurricular
participation
• Health and physical
education
• Service to others
• Community building and
commitment
But, ABOVE ALL ELSE, this
commitment is to and for ALL of our CHILDREN, their PARENTS, and
every COMMUNITY in North Carolina.
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