Building Good Citizens for Texas, a kindergarten through 12th grade Character Education program, has been introduced in over 400 school districts in Texas. Our character program is an integrative program design, as recommended by the Texas Legislature, and “The Journal of Research in Character Education”.  We are proud to announce that our character education program has inspired a character education initiative for an entire community!

Implementation of Character Education in Schools

Let me share an experience of just one of the smaller school districts which has been using our integrative strategy in the schools for several years.  During the first few years of implementation, progress was slow.  The elementary schools were enthusiastic and did a good job of promoting the message.  But it took several more years to make it truly a district-wide initiative.  Part of that positive progress was the total commitment by two successive superintendents who wholeheartedly supported the character message.  Secondary administrators and teachers became convinced and activity and visibility increased.

Some of the strategies now in place include a county-wide Speakers Bureau which offers a speaker to any classroom for each of the nine character traits.  Large banners, showing each of the nine character traits are hanging from the hall ceilings in every campus.  At each month’s City Council meeting, a student is given a 2-minute opportunity to present his or her thoughts on the character trait of the month.  The same practice is observed at each monthly School Board meeting.

A Character Essay Contest is offered at the high school, and this year will be extended to the middle schools, with a monetary award for the winner every other month at each grade level.

A variety of pieces are provided to teachers – bookmarks, pens, pencils, and what parents call “fridge cards” for quick reminders of what each trait means.

Character Initiative Spreads To Community

Largely as a result of this ambitious promotion, the local city council, with the encouragement of several members of the Character Education Planning Committee passed a Resolution declaring this community a Character City.  The City Council pledged "to do all in its power to encourage 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.”

As a Character City, this community is now included as a member of the International Association of Character Cities.  This organization strives to encourage “community-wide character initiatives in order to develop a ‘true culture of character’ ”.  This designation was helpful as the organization applied for and received a nonprofit status for its work.

A significant strategy for this City of Character is a monthly poster picturing a group chosen by the poster sponsor.  It may be their business, organization, church group, or civic club.  The definition of the trait is included, and the sponsoring organization chooses a relevant quotation for the poster.  These posters, depicting such a variety of community involvement have been very well received, and the Planning Committee is proud to report that poster sponsorship has been reserved through April, 2010.

Even though this is a small community, over 200 posters are distributed each month to banks, churches, civic clubs, schools, businesses, and government offices.

Students are hearing and seeing the character message at school every day in a variety of ways.  That same message is shown, modeled, and discussed in the community at large.

Citizens have determined that character is important, and it is everyone’s responsibility! We look forward to helping you make character a priority in your schools and in your community.

Contact us today to find out how our integrated Character Education Program can be implemented in your schools!

http://www.txchared.com/contact-us/