Integrating Effective Character Education Into Rural Schools: Four Replicable Models 2008 CEP National Forum Shelly K. Stalnaker, Project Director West Virginia Department Of Education Nancy E. Brown , Assistant West Virginia Department Of Education Dr. Michael Corrigan, Co-Evaluator Marshall University Session Goals/Objectives • Explain the “three-legged” approach taken by four rural schools in developing character in students. • Discuss the unique efforts taken to integrate character education into the school climate as well as the instructional setting. • Provide insights on how instruction changes, student attitudes and behavior is impacted and overall school climate improves when a school fully integrates character education. West Virginia Department of Education • WVDE received its second USDE grant in 2005 to fund character education projects through 2009 • Grant was written by Dr. Michael Corrigan and Lisa Burton • Four rural counties are involved in grant: Boone, Clay, Summers and Tyler • Quasi-experimental design with four control schools and four experimental schools randomly selected from the participating counties (4 elementary schools, 2 middle school, 2 high school) Purpose • To design and implement effective character education programs, that can be integrated into existing curricula, to teach students character elements such as caring, civic virtues, justice and fairness, respect and responsibility • To create a “three-legged” approach in developing character in students; this includes schools, parents and the community becoming a part of the character development process Integrating Character Education Principle 6 of the Character Education Partnership’s Eleven Principles of Effective Character Education (Lickona, Schaps, and Lewis 2003) states that “…effective character educators look for the natural intersections between the academic content they wish to teach and the character qualities they wish to develop. These “character connections” can take many forms, such as addressing current ethical issues in science, debating historical practices and decisions, and discussing character traits and ethical dilemmas in literature.” 3-Legged Approach Community Students learn character by practicing the traits taught in the home and the school. Therefore, it is essential to involve the community in the development and implementation of the Character Education effort, and also through service learning projects. These projects help reinforce what is taught in the school and the home. In addition, communities should support and embrace character education. 3-Legged Approach Parents Research indicates that the dominant impact on the development of moral values occurs within the home. However, this does not divorce the schools from attempting to further develop a child’s moral compass. It is essential for parents to be involved at the beginning of the effort and throughout the entire implementation process. 3-Legged Approach School All of those associated with a school not only need to teach the importance of living a life of good character, but they need to be models of good character. Character education is truly not a stand alone program, but an integrated approach that uses the existing curriculum and programs to help support and emphasize good character. Objectives of WVDE Project Objective One: Resource Manual Objective Two: Crosswalk Objective Three: Rigorous Scientific Research Objective Four: Involvement of Stakeholders Objective Five: Professional Development Objective Six: Ongoing Technical Assistance Objective Seven: Link Between Academic Achievement and Character Education WV Character Education Manual • The WV Character Education Manual is in the process of being developed. This manual illustrates the stepby-step journey of four schools that have planned and implemented a comprehensive character education model that has positively impacted school climate, staff and student morale, and student success. • The electronic WV Character Education Manual is projected to be available on line at the http://wvde.state.wv.us/osshp/main/http://wvde.state .wv.us/osshp/main/ by the end of the 2008-09 school year. Integrating Character Education Crosswalk The Crosswalk is a correlation between the WV 21st Century Content Standards and Objectives (CSOs) and the character education virtues of respect, responsibility, caring, citizenship, fairness and trustworthiness. WV Character Education Crosswalk • Link to the electronic WV Character Education Crosswalk • http://wvde.state.wv.us/osshp/section1/Chara cterEducation.htm Rigorous Scientific Research Michael Corrigan Co-Evaluator Marshall University Dimensional Model Link Between Academic Achievement and Character Education Findings of research conducted by: Dr. Michael Corrigan Co-Evaluator Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology and Human Development Marshall University Stakeholders • Community • Parents/Guardians • School (students, staff) Professional Development – Experimental Schools – Two sessions annually for the Character Development Teams (CDT) – Summer Conference annually for entire staff – Control Schools – Summer Conference for entire staff at the end of the third year Ongoing Technical Assistance • The Project Director and Assistant Project Director provide technical assistance at the experimental schools during the first three years of the grant. • The Project Director and Assistant Project Director provide technical assistance at the control schools during year four. • Dr. Phillip Vincent provides technical assistance to experimental and control schools throughout the grant period. School Highlights Ashford-Rumble Elementary Character Education Grant Summer 2008 Control School Staff Training To develop our character education model we took the most valuable parts of different models and developed our own. We call the model BRIDGE. BRIDGE B – Bravery R – Respect I – Integrity D – Diligence G – Guidance E - Endurance Building the Bridge to Good Character at Home, School and Community Character Education—Family Round-Up Dinner Annual Activities During the month of November we observe Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. In this way, we have community and parent involvement. Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Dinner During National Red Ribbon Week, our school engaged in many activities. We also developed the HOPE Team, a community service group. H-Helping O-Out P-People E-Everywhere Drug Awareness and HOPE Team Each year our school competes with a rival school in our area in a field day competition. This is one of the major character building activities at our school. We also won a Sportsmanship Award during our county basketball tournament, and have students involved in the Special Olympics. Our regular education students are more than supportive and cheer on our special education students. Ashford vs. Nellis Field Day Character trait and color for each month. This includes essay contest and other school wide activities. Monthly behavior rewards are organized each month for students who meet the criteria. Monthly Activities Each month a student from each class is picked as student of the month based on the character trait for that month. Employee and Student of the Month Each week students from a different grade are chosen to recite the Pledge of Allegiance based on needed self-esteem. The Cafeteria Stars were selected from the tables that demonstrated good character, manners and respect during their meal times. Weekly Recognition Target Group Information Less student discipline problems. In School Suspension 05-06 22 ISS 06-07 42 ISS 07-08 2 ISS What’s Different? •Our focus has moved from rewarding students for good character to expecting good character from our students. •As a staff we now make a conscientious effort to model good character. What’s Different? Talcott Elementary Character Education Program We are SMART Kids! A SMART Beginning! • Grant Ø Team Ø SMART S – Service Ø Logo M – Manners A – Attitude Talcott Elementary S Service R – Responsibility T – Trustworthy M Manners A Attitude R Responsibility T Trustworthy Talcott Elementary S M A R T Personnel are Getting SMART! Service Manners Attitude Responsibility Trustworthy • All school personnel are involved in the program Ø Training With Other Teams in Charleston Ø Book Study on Fish Book Thank you! Ø Training on SMART Lessons and Character Counts Training Ø Role Modeling We start each year off with a SMART Kickoff! Talcott Elementary S Service M Manners • Introduction of SMART Program A Attitude R Responsibility T Trustworthy We start each year off with a SMART Kickoff! • Introduction of SMART Program • Games & Activities • Food • Door Prizes SMART is an Integrated Program Talcott Elementary S Service M Manners • Integration in the Subject Areas AND • Integration of activities that you do in a typical elementary school A Attitude R Responsibility T Trustworthy Integration of Character Education in All Subjects! • Language Arts Ø Reading to Serve Spelling List Ø Writing in Journals, Writing Essays, & Generating Spelling Words about Character Traits Ø Writing Thank You Letters to Speakers Polite Loving Honest Helpful Obliging Ø Jr. Great Books – Discuss how character is displayed in the individuals in the stories Ø Read to Me Day! Loyal Integration of Character Education in All Subjects! • Language Arts • Science/Math Ø Recycling – Science & Math ØReading to Serve Math – Circumference Math - Graphs Integration of Character Education in All Subjects! • Language Arts • Science/Math • Social Studies Ø Student Council Election Ø Veteran’s Day Celebration Ø Making Christmas Cards Integration of Character Education in All Subjects! • Language Arts • Science/Math • Social Studies • Art Ø Painting Character Trait Teeshirts Ø Posters & Bumper Stickers Ø Making Decorations for the Nursing Home Ø Bracelets Ø Scrapbooks Integration of Character Education in All Subjects! • Language Arts • Science/Math • Social Studies • Art • Music Ø Sing Songs for Nursing Home Ø Drama Performance Integration of Character Education in All Subjects! • Language Arts • Science/Math • Social Studies • Art • Music • PE/Health Ø ESPN All Stars Basketball Game Ø Good Sportsmanship, Sharing, Self-Control, Honesty, and Leadership Integration of activities that you do in a typical elementary school! • Classroom Rules Ø The Golden Rule Ø Be Responsible • Recognition Awards Ø Character Education Virtue of the Month Ø Responsibility Awards Ø Token Store Do to others as you want others to do to you! Talcott Elementary S M A R T Parent and Community Involvement! Service Manners • Community Speakers • Community Character of the Month Award • The Kickoff activity for Parents and Students • Adopt-a-Child for Christmas • Read to Me Day • Awareness Presentations to the Community Attitude Responsibility Trustworthy SMART – that’s who we are! Talcott Elementary S Service M Manners A Attitude R Responsibility T Trustworthy Shining Knights Tyler Consolidated Middle School A 2006 WV Exemplary School 1/14/2009 47 Shining Knights Steps Taken: • Met weekly with Tyler Consolidated High School CDT • CDT members reviewed and researched character education from models for school consideration • Members reported back to the CDT with evaluations of programs researched • Determined group roles (facilitator, recorder, manager, and group members) • Asked input from faculty members 1/14/2009 48 Shining Knights - Planning • Chose 6 Virtues: 1/14/2009 Respect Responsibility Fairness Caring Citizenship Trustworthiness 49 Shining Knights - Planning • Development of activities focused on each virtue • Creating displays • Communicating Character Education initiatives to staff and parents • Student recognition programs and incentives 1/14/2009 50 Implementation- First Two Years Staff Development • held in August 2006 • shared recommendations for curriculum and activities • teachers directed to document at least one character education activity per week in lesson plans • teachers given content-specific binders with activities and CSO alignment to successfully integrate the Shining Knights initiative into classrooms 1/14/2009 51 Implementation- First Two Years • one virtue per grading period • weekly quotes posted in each classroom on specific virtue/color • students nominated for exhibiting targeted traits • letters sent home to parents on “colored” paper • students’ names displayed on stars • students’ names put in drawing for prizes • guest speakers 1/14/2009 52 Implementation- First Two Years • • • • • Kick- Off Delegate Roger Romine addressed the student body of both TCHS and TCMS Teachers participated in skits Cooks led “character cheers” Each TCMS student given a “Shining Knights” T-Shirt Band and choir both provided musical entertainment 1/14/2009 53 Dr. Phil chatting. Yeah, cooks! Del. Romine at kickoff assembly. 1/14/2009 54 Implementation- First Two Years Kick- Off • Each grade level given a trait to make a wall mural • Character Chain • Students dressed in the color of their “favorite trait” 1/14/2009 55 1/14/2009 56 1/14/2009 57 Implementation- First Two Years Existing Programs • TV/Radio Broadcasting capabilities -student involvement - quotes of the week -audio/visual acknowledgement of activities • Volunteer Program -shared ownership/support for program -necessary component • Peer Mediators 1/14/2009 58 Implementation- First Two Years School Clubs/Organizations • • • • • • • Band Choir National Junior Honor Society Student CDT Yearbook Student Council Team 1/14/2009 59 Implementation- First Two Years Student Council • • Purchased mulch for school landscaping Wrote personal “Thank You” letters to all staff members for Teacher Appreciation Week Band Council • Sponsored a Tyler County Museum Clean-Up Day 1/14/2009 60 Implementation- First Two Years Sports • • • • • Cross Country Football Volleyball Cheerleading Boys Basketball 1/14/2009 Girls Basketball Wrestling Boys Track Girls Track 61 Implementation- First Two Years 2006-2007 Service Projects • Activity kits for children at Sistersville General and Wetzel County Hospitals • Dress Down Day for Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and Easter Seals • Hunter and gun safety awareness • Jump Rope for Heart • Camp Kno Koma • Relay for Life Activities • Trick or Treat for UNICEF • Food collection for area food banks 1/14/2009 62 Implementation 2007-2008 Service Projects • • • • • • Coats for Kids Stuffed animals for WVU Childrens’ Hospital Pet Food Drive Collection for family who lost everything in a tragic fire Relay for Life Activities Collection for Community Resource, Goodwill and school clothes closet • Volunteer Teams to keep school clean • School-wide Beautification/Clean-Up Day (weeded and picked up trash/planted) 1/14/2009 63 Our instructional leader and Relay for Life “fall guy”. 1/14/2009 64 Integration Student Team: • Assist with integrating comprehensive character education program at elementary schools • Brainstorm with adult CDT with ideas for school • Develop and plan transition activities for incoming 6th graders • Introduce 5th graders to “Shining Knights” program at TCMS 1/14/2009 65 Integration Student Team ~ Community Service • Run errands and pass out information on community service projects and other school related activities • Geranium sale with NJHS to benefit Relay for Life • Candle sale to benefit Relay for Life 1/14/2009 66 1/14/2009 67 Integration Reading – Writing anticipatory endings to stories (Goldilocks and the Three Bears) which focus on the virtue of respect for the bears’ privacy and property. – Hal Urban influences (greeting students, respect for students, time on task, etc.) – “Golden Rules for Living” – students add their own endings 1/14/2009 68 Integration Social Studies - Discussions and study of respected, famous people • Eleanor Roosevelt • Chief Joseph • Study, identify and respect different cultures • • • • • 1/14/2009 Religions Traditions Art Dress Language 69 Integration Math – 3-question survey about self-respect • used results to find the average number for each question • used the responses to figure the percentage of certain responses 1/14/2009 70 Integration Computer – Discussion dealing with the respect of privacy issues focusing on files and sensitive issues 1/14/2009 71 Integration Health/PE – Given daily life situations, students brainstorm ways to deal with the problem in a respectful manner. – Respect for rules of a game and other participants/players 1/14/2009 72 Integration English – Journal entries based on daily prompts (often a daily interpretation of a quote focused on respect) – “This summer I showed someone respect by…” – Eighth graders read The Necklace. Students had to document an aspect of the story as it applied to respect. – Journal entry, What can you do this week to show respect for others?” – Poetry: Cinquains and Acrostics on Caring and Fairness 1/14/2009 73 Integration Choir/Music – Discussion of respect for flag and flag traditions – School-wide assembly to recognize the history and respect for the flag and the National Anthem – Showing respect for each individual singing voice and musician 1/14/2009 74 Integration Art – Respect the works and ideas of others – Respect word collage – Thank you note to Vincent Van Gogh; respect for his techniques – Respecting art supplies and materials – Posted quotes throughout the room – Student-designed postcards using the 6 pillars 1/14/2009 75 Integration Science – Introduction and discussion on respect for living organisms and specimens in the lab – Discussion on the importance of respect, for self and others, in creating a safe environment for cooperative learning; respect for others when answering in class – Discussion of Leeuwenhoek and his contributions to the science world in spite of struggles he faced in his life – Discussed 4 scientists and their role in developing cell theory, and why they should be respected for their contributions. 1/14/2009 76 Integration Multicultural Studies • African • “Under the Quilt of Night” 1/14/2009 77 Integration • Cooks and custodians were direct participants in Kickoff activities • Dress up to participate in activities right along with the students and staff • Decorated kitchen and commons areas • Models of our virtues • Participation and inclusion has made these people feel more valued as important links in the school community 1/14/2009 78 School Environment • Bulletin Boards throughout the school • Décor in the hallways – on wall and ceilings • Sports signs • 212 Motivational Signs/Video 1/14/2009 79 Integration • Shining Knights Stars • Outside banners • Flags in Circle and Drive 1/14/2009 80 Integration School Environment – Displays throughout the building – Bulletin Boards 1/14/2009 81 Integration School Environment – School-wide service projects 1/14/2009 82 Integration School Environment – Recognition Assemblies every six weeks and at the end of the year 1/14/2009 83 Parents/Community Involvement • Community Dinner/Workshop – May 2 – Guest speaker – Dr. Phil Vincent – Working dinner • Focus on community involvement • Use of community resources • Reporting out large group 1/14/2009 84 Parents/Community Involvement • Parent Volunteers – Best participation rate in years • • • • • Hanging displays Honor Roll “Wanted” Posters Clerical assignments Creating recognition items Parents as public relations tools • Assisting with Fitnessgrams • Hanging Art work • Laminating 1/14/2009 85 Parents/Community Involvement • McTeacher’s Night • School Resource Officer • Speakers for many six weeks assemblies • Teacher Raffle for Teacher Appreciation Week 1/14/2009 86 Parents/Community Involvement • • • • • • • • Outreach Projects Spring and Fall Band and Choir concerts All County Choir Concert Art Shows Open Houses Community Service Projects Noble Knights’ newsletters to area businesses Community clean up days NJHS – Sistersville nursing home Bingo Day 1/14/2009 87 What Is Different? • Brought different programs “Under One Roof” -Community Service -Relay for Life -Newsletters -Teacher Appreciation Week -Student of the Month -Language is more uniform on a daily basis and with discipline situations 1/14/2009 88 What Is Different? • Broke down communication barriers between staff and students • Number of disciplinary referrals decreased • Number of suspensions decreased 1/14/2009 89 What Is Different? • Student behavior is better • Students are now aware of good character traits • Staff has “bought” into initiative • School climate is better • Would like to add still more community and parent involvement 1/14/2009 90 1/14/2009 91 Tyler Consolidated High School Character Education Grant Summer 2008 Control School Staff Training Students/ School/ Parents/ Community Fairness Respect Trustworthiness Responsibility Citizenship Caring Knights of the Round Table • • • • • • Selection of CDT Planning Research Character Counts! Character Values Staff/Administration Participation Color Coordination • Coordinate a color with a core virtue. – Trustworthiness= Blue – Respect= Yellow – Responsibility= Green – Fairness= Orange – Caring= Red – Citizenship= Purple Implementation – First Two Years • • • • • • Community Involvement Dinner Student Survey Staff Development Character Education Kickoff Implementation of Character Counts! Service Learning Community Involvement Dinner Surveys • Students were surveyed in May 2006. Staff Development 2006 • April 17th – CDT Introduced Character Education Initiative to the entire staff. • June 29th – All staff met in Charleston to participate in the State Character Education Conference. • July/August – Focus included integration into the curriculum through departmental meetings delivered by the CDT members. • August 25th – Distribution and timelines for the initiative. – Introduce the Character Education Initiative to new teachers. • October 9th – Planning for the Kickoff. Character Education Kickoff • • • • • • • Parade of Colors National Anthem Guest Speaker: Roger Romine Skit Character Cheer Tug of War Awards and Frozen Novelties Character Education Kick Off Integration: Across the Curriculum • • • • Advisor/Advisee Quotes of the Week Character Counts! Coordination of Character Education into Lesson Plans • Teachable Moments • TV Broadcasts Integration: School Environment • • • • • • • • • Posters/ Banners/ Art Work Bulletin Boards Student Leadership Team Student CDT Student Honor Code Student-Athlete/Band Code of Conduct Extracurricular Code of Honor ALOP Lessons Improvement of Teacher’s Character Integration: School Environment • Target/Raze • SALT Club • Health Raisers Partnership With Fitness Club • Dress Down to Raise Spirits Day • Random Acts of Kindness Club • 9th Grade Mentor Program Integration: Support Staff • • • • Banners and Posters Quote of the Week Color Coordinated Desserts Participated in Character Education Week Parents/ Community Involvement • • • • • • • • Community Involvement Dinner in May 2006 Follow-up Letter to Community Members in May Invitation to Fall Character Education Kickoff Freshmen Academy Parent/Teacher Conferences Memos/ Character Ed Newsletters Health Raisers/ Fitness Club Cooperative Learning Activities Assigned by Teachers Unique Activities • “Knights of the Round Table” Caring for Our Community • Student Election Process • Student Character Development Team • Adopt a Team • TCHS: What’s Beyond the Moat? • TCHS Ideas Festival: What If? • School Wide Service Learning Caring Knights Student Character Development Team Adopt A Team TCHS: What’s Beyond the Moat? • • • • • 15th Anniversary of Tyler Consolidated Parent/Teacher Conference 2007 Character Education Kickoff One-Act Play by Theatre Class Parliamentary Procedure Demonstration by FFA Team • Mini-Choir/Band Concerts • Student/Faculty Demonstration TCHS Ideas Festival: What If? • March 13-14, 2008 • Two day event addressing many global issues of TCHS students’ concerns. • • • • • • • Social Concerns Health/Wellness World Problems Ethical Concerns Environmental Issues Legal Issues Local Issues Ideas Festival Pictures Service Learning Projects • Olive Branch Animal Rescue Shelter • Autism Spectrum • Community Art Project • Recycling • Newborns in Need Olive Branch Animal Rescue • Pet Supply Drive/ April 22-29 • Need volunteers to – Provide supplies for animals. – Interact and care for animals. – Tend to gardening and landscaping. – Paint and improve the environment. – Attend and help with fundraisers and festivals in the community. – Clean and perform basic farm work. Olive Branch Food Drive Community Art Project • To be developed 2008-2009 school year. • Art Teachers, Students, and Community Members will select the first project. Recycling • • • • Recycling E-Cycling Drive Community Service Hours Cardboard Baler Newborns in Need • Students making receiving blankets, booties, diapers, stockings, etc. • Purpose of Newborns in Need is to solicit goods and money for the benefit of needy babies, and provide essential items free of charge to those needing them. What is Different? • Students are more – Polite – Mannerly – Compassionate • Students are more concerned about each other and those in need. • Students are thinking of ways to improve school climate. • Increase in students reporting violations of the Safe Schools Act. What is Different? Cont’d • • • • • Students initiated ideas for staff recognition. Teachers and staff are better role models. Adopt a Student Program Parent/Community Involvement Increased. Considerations for “all” students’ ideas: – Student Leadership Team – IDEAS Club – Student Advisory Committee added to CDT Where are we going? • Continuation • Full Implementation of School Wide Service Learning Projects • Full Development of 9th Grade Transition Program: – Mentoring – Freshmen Academy – Small Group Discussions • New Club Focusing on Monthly Service Projects Student Achievement • Student achievement is more than scoring well on a high stakes test. It is about students learning to be not only educated in the core subjects, but educated in life. One can not be successful in life just by being smart. In order to be successful – truly successful in life, one must be proficient in the qualities that make a person good. Shelly K. Stalnaker, Project Director Office of Healthy Schools West Virginia Department of Education 1900 Kanawha Blvd., East Building 6, Room 309 Charleston, WV 25305 (304) 558558-8830 Fax (304) 558558-3787 shestaln@access.k12.wv.us THANK YOU! Nancy Brown, Assistant Phone: 366366-9445 Email: neharry@access.k12.wv.us Dr. Michael W. Corrigan Assistant Professor Educational Foundations and Technology Marshall University 122 Jenkins Hall Huntington, WV 25755 304--696 304 696--2961 corrigan@marshall.edu