There is no single script for effective character education, but there are some important basic principles. The following eleven principles serve as criteria that schools and other groups can use to plan a character education effort and to evaluate available character education programs, books, and curriculum resources. Click on any of the Principles below to read a full description. To download the complete document in PDF format, click here. Requires Adobe Acrobat, to download see Adobe website 1.
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.