For example, teachers select children's literature to connect with the core values that Highlands adheres to. The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson is a catalyst for discussing compassion, and The River by Gary Paulson exemplifies responsibility. Faculty and students at Highlands report that teaching civic values takes the guesswork out of knowing what the school stands for. The values guide decision making about the curriculum, instruction, and resources. Cooperation creates a structure within which faculty, students, and parents work together to educate the students.
Civic values are the glue that hold the school together.
Together the three Cs are a complete management program for creating safe, nourishing schools. David W. Johnson is a Professor of Educational Psychology and Roger T. Johnson is a Professor of Education at the University of Minnesota. They are Co-Directors of the Cooperative Learning Center. Laurie Stevahn is the Director of Professional Development Associates, an educational consulting company in Minneapolis. Peter Hodne is the Principal of Edina Highlands Elementary School and coordinated the Edina, Minnesota, Public Schools Ethical Values Program.