What's Happening in Character Education?

For many Americans over the last decade, Jackie Robinson literally has been the face of character, memorialized on billboards and posters on highways and in airports across the land. The nonprofit Foundation For A Better Life selected Robinson for its national ad campaign not just because his 1947 debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers ended 80 years of racial segregation in professional baseball, but primarily for the way that he did it.

The following post was originally published on the Whole Child Blog.

As a former Air Force squadron commander and Vice Commandant of the U.S. Air Force Academy, believe me, I had already been through a lifetime's worth of leadership training when I moved into the civilian sector as a K–12 school superintendent in 2002. Looking back, however, I must admit that the most challenging leadership issues I have ever faced easily occurred in the last decade.

Since I started working with CEP over a year ago, I have found myself looking at virtually everything I do—see, hear, read about, etc.—through a prism of right-and-wrong, searching for a teachable moment in just about every action. But even so, I still feel that my experiences over the last five weeks have been unusually dominated by one recurring theme: the importance of speaking up.

What does it take for leaders to make really tough decisions?

I’ve been following with great interest what happened at Rutgers University after the video clip of their basketball coach received so much attention.  The whole thing is pretty sad on several different fronts.  However, it is also rich with “teachable moments,” for coaches and others who are in positions of trust and leadership. 

No one better understands the social challenges today's students face than educators. Last year, passionate character educators from around the world gathered to discuss pressing issues within education. CEP formally invites you to our 20th annual 2013 National Forum on Character Education, the ideal place to gain concrete ideas to improve your school. 

I was privileged to attend the Washington Post’s summit on families and children earlier this month. What did I learn? That education remains the key ingredient for success for all American children, especially those living in poverty. While experts and politicians continue to debate the role of government in helping families, children, and communities, all agree that education continues to be a path to opportunity.

By Rob McManamy

Emily Bazelon seems to be everywhere these days. From Boston to Seattle, Chicago to Austin, TX, and points in between, the New Haven, CT-based author, reporter, lawyer and mother is on a mission promoting her well-received new book, STICKS AND STONES: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy. As just part of her multimedia offensive, this week she penned an Op-Ed for The New York Times and last month Bazelon appeared as a guest on The Colbert Report (where she famously made the satirical host cry!)

One year ago, a great American died.  His name was Sandy McDonnell.  He was an honorable man who left behind a remarkable legacy.  It is one we can all learn from.

Sandy was brilliant.   After graduating from Princeton and completing graduate school in Colorado, he worked on the Top Secret Manhattan Project during World War II.  Afterwards, he went on to reach the very highest levels in the corporate sector.  He rose through the ranks to become CEO of a giant aerospace company.  Along the way, he traveled the world, met Presidents and heads of state, and received lots of high-level awards and honors.

Clifton-Clyde High School – Clyde, KS

Program: Mock Interviews

At Clifton-Clyde High School in Clyde, Kansas, students participate in mock interviews to prepare them for life after high school and/or college. This Promising Practice implements two principles from CEP’s 11 Principles of Effective Character Education: using a comprehensive approach, and offering a meaningful and challenging academic curriculum.

Each student develops a résumé, cover letter, and application form that addresses their chosen field of study (e.g., medicine, education, etc.). Three weeks before the interview, each student’s information is mailed to the “interviewer” for a personal critique. The students participate in four 15-minute interviews on the day of the mock interviews. One week after the mock interview session, each student will mail the interviewers a follow-up thank you letter, thus preparing them for the “real thing” once they enter the work force.

Brennan Woods Elementary School – High Ridge, MO

Program: Grandparents’ Luau

The teachers at Brennan Woods Elementary School in High Ridge, Missouri, developed a Promising Practice event that honors grandparents, called the Grandparents’ Luau. The grandparents of second graders at Brennen Woods are invited to a luau every September. The second-grade teachers plan activities for the children to take part in with their grandparents. The grandparents also have the opportunity to see items their grandchildren have created.