Reviewing trends and technology in education

The pre-packaged programs are a good jumping off point.  The elements to be added should incorporate the school’s code of conduct and issues of rights and responsibilities.  For a character education program to be most effective, teachers should consider taking a clear eyed look at themselves, their students and their community and address these questions:

1. What are my goals for the program? 

       Is it to be a general lecture on rights, responsibilities, consideration, etc..?

       Is it to address specific character issues evident in my school and classroom?

2. Are my goals in keeping with my school’s policy on classroom instruction?

3. Do I need to do some more community building in my classroom to maximize the effectiveness of character education?  (see community building)

4. What are the specific issues my students are dealing with in everyday life? 

       Are they growing up in poverty or with excess wealth?

       Are most family members involved in or absent from students' lives?

       What value structure do students exhibit?

       Is conflict ever-present in their neighborhoods or in school?

5. How much classroom time am I willing to devote to character education?

6. Should I develop a formal character education class, or incorporate lessons into academic classes?

7. Do I need to coordinate this effort with other teachers and administrative staff?

8. How can I incorporate real life problems into character education?

9. What character education programs can I use as a foundation?

10. Is my classroom a real community? (Click on community building at top of page.)