Seventeen year-old Mike says character education gives kids the chance to prove that they have character and that they will do the right thing. Thirteen year-old Maceo says that doing the right thing comes naturally when parents teach values at home. Whether the lessons come from home or school, most educators and parents hope schools across the country will make character education a priority. But they are better citizens. The following list has been adapted from information provided by The Character Education Partnership to help families, schools and communities develop character in our nation's youth.
Character education promotes core ethical values as the basis of good character.
Effective character education requires an intentional proactive and comprehensive approach that promotes core values in all phases of school life. A child's school and home must be a caring community. To develop character students need opportunities for moral action. Parents and students must adhere to the same moral code as children. School policies and rules must incorporate the character traits the school and community wants to transmit.