A long term process of helping young people develop good character, values, such as fairness, honesty, compassion, responsibility, and respect for self and others. Character Education is NOT an 'add-on' i.e. not a separate curriculum for teachers to teach. Rather it is a philosophy which become an integral part of the life of the school, affecting the environment in the classroom, on the school bus, on the playground, in the cafeteria, and in the hallways. Character Education promotes cooperative learning, service learning, observing rules and procedures using literature rich in meaning, and using real-life experiences to enhance thinking skills. Mrs. Donna Foster coordinates the Character Education program at Sebring Middle School.
Character education promotes core ethical values as the basis of good character.
Effective character education requires an intentional, proactive, and comprehensive approach that promotes the core values in all phases of school life. The school must be a caring community. To develop character, students need opportunities for moral action. Effective character education includes a meaningful and challenging academic curriculum that respects all learners and helps them succeed. Character education should strive to develop students' intrinsic motivation.