Archive for March, 2008
Character Education Improves Grades
Posted by: | CommentsDuring the 2004-2005 school year, schools which had been designated Character Plus Schools as provided by House Bill 946, reported the following results:
- Improved TAKS scores——————–39%
- Improved local grades———————45%
- Fewer Discipline Referrals—————66%
- Improved Attendance———————–33%
SOURCE: TEA’s 2005 Comprehensive Annual
Report of Public Schools to the 79th Legislature
Teacher-Friendly Program Adopted By More Texas Schools
Posted by: | CommentsBuilding Good Citizens for
1. It is an integrative implementation design – no lesson plans required. The emphasis on each character trait is an integral part of the discipline plan; in other words, it is just part of the school climate, what teachers are doing on a daily basis.
2. Students are recognized for appropriate choices, doing what is right, and acting responsibly.
3. Because students are more responsible, academic achievement is improved, and TAKS results increase.
4. With effective Character Education in place, enhanced school safety, and positive school atmosphere lead to fewer discipline referrals, more teaching time, and less stress for teachers.
5. Building Good Citizens for Texas encourages active community participation, leading to better communication with parents and other stakeholders.
Bastrop Becomes a City of Character
Posted by: | CommentsBastrop, TX – August 28, 2007 – Integrating character education into all aspects of community life is increasingly the focus in many Texas towns. On August 28, 2007 the Bastrop City Council in Texas unanimously adopted a Resolution put forth by Bastrop Mayor Tom Scott pledging “its commitment to character, and doing all in its power to become known as a City of Character by encouraging character in its homes, schools, churches, city government, businesses, media and community groups, and urges the leaders of each of these entities to do likewise”.
This pledge is a continuation of the importance Bastrop places on character education, not just in the schools, but in the entire community. It has been shown by the Journal of Research in Character Education, Texas Education Agency findings, as well as statistics from various law enforcement agencies, that effective Character Education reduces juvenile offenses and recidivism rates.
A commitment to character actually requires low capital investment, it is mostly just a decision by individuals and communities to model good character in all of our actions, and to help others do the same. These small decisions help children emulate the good character traits they see in their community leaders, thus making our town a safer and kinder place to live.
Bastrop has a history of citizens helping others. Continuing this tradition may be the most important action we can take to make Bastrop the safest, friendliest, most helpful city in Texas.
If you would like more information on integrating character education into the Bastrop community or in your own Texas community, please contact Evelyn Weilert (512-303-3689) from Building Good Citizens for Texas, the initiative being implemented in Bastrop schools, and now in the community of Bastrop.
For information contact: eweilert@txchared.com
