Dr. Wynne described to us his work with the For Character School Recognition Program in Chicago, a program to salute schools making an effective impact on character development. Our local chapter responded with enthusiasm to Dr. Wynne's challenge and has organized such a public recognition ceremony since 1988. In 1997 the award program was formally adopted by and sponsored through the Bonner Center for Character Education and Citizenship at California State University, Fresno. Each year schools in Central California are sent an application form asking them to document how they address a series of open-ended questions related to the enhancement of moral and character education. The applications are available in alternate years to either all the elementary schools or all the middle schools in California's Central Valley.
Participation is, of course, voluntary.
The purpose behind our recognition award is to recognize exemplary local schools where practices and emphases have been planned to enhance the moral thinking and behavior of students. It is not specifically designed to compare schools, but rather to encourage all schools to participate in well-designed activities for students. Our expectation is that any school, regardless of its population or its philosophical orientation can offer well-planned programs that enable students to participate fully and become active in the school community. Responses to three broad criteria are called for. It is expected that each of the schools returning an application will demonstrate through its responses, and at the time of the follow-up site validation visit, evidence of performance in each area.