1. Character Building in the Classroom

2. Training Outline Welcome Pre-Presentation survey
Overview of relationships and character traits
Goals/Vision
Participant Activity
Conclusion
Evaluation

3. Relationships
Strong relationships are critical to academic success for students.
Relationships are important because students are more likely to engage in learning when they know that those around them care how well they do.

4. Relationships and Guiding Principles
Relationships are driven by guiding principles such as respect, responsibility, honesty, trustworthiness, courage, adaptibility and perseverance.
These principles create a culture that permits learning to occur.
Must have the required components in the annual IEP written in the year when the student is 15.
The required components are: postsecondary goals and, based on assessment, coordinated transition activities

5. Types of Relationships
teacher and student
teacher and teacher
student and student
school and parent

6. The Four Roles of Education
Fostering intellectual development
Preparing students to be informed, caring, and productive citizens
Preparing students for higher education
Preparing students for the world of work.
Earlier implementation of IDEA described outcomes based on coordinated set of services.
Current legislation emphasizes the importance of the postsecondary goal.

7. A 9th Graders Request By Denise Bernard
I don’t see things as you do……
I don’t hear the way you do……
I don’t reason the same way…...
I don’t act as you want me to…..
I don’t answer how you want……
I don’t conform to your ideals…..
BUT I NEED YOU
To be patient…………
To be kind…………….
To be understanding..
To be tolerant………..
To be persistent……..
To help me learn…….
Who I am…………….
Then push me forward
And let me FLY

8. Obstacle
The single biggest obstacle to improving student academic achievement is inappropriate student behavior
Disciplinary consequences for misbehaving students are having limited impact on them.
The climate of our school is being challenged by poor student behavior
Notice of change of placement at graduation.
Special Education services cease at graduation or age 22
Typically these letters begin, Congratulations……..

9. School Civility
We need to establish school civility and improve student character
A “marriage” of strategies to improve school civility and the integration of good character skills needs to be considered
Very important!
This is a report. It is not necessarily a formal meeting, although the input of a student is important.

10. Questions to consider
►What concerns currently exist about behavior, attendance, and attitude?
►What interventions have been used in the past, and have they been effective?
►What measures can be taken to prevent school behavioral issues from developing?
►Are there student issues with drug use, violence, bullying, and gang influence?

11. What is Character Education?
Content, skills, and behaviors that help students develop attributes and behaviors that promote:
►a high level of personal and academic functioning
►positive interpersonal relationships
►a school environment conductive to learning

12. Character Education
This character education initiative involves incorporating guiding principles into the normal experiences and activities in the school day.
The GOAL is to provide character building experiences in order to help students learn, practice, reflect, and develop these skills.

13. Outcomes Students will reflect on positive personal qualities
These qualities may help them overcome problems in their academic and personal lives
Better emotional awareness
Better control of anger without fighting as much
More friendly and involved with peers

14. Outcomes Less aggressive behavior and more self control
More helpful and considerate
More positive feelings about self, family, and school
Better at resolving conflicts
Improved interpersonal relationships

15. What Students Need
Students need essential personal and interpersonal skills that promote:
Responsible, thoughtful behavior
Increased self respect and self confidence
Respectful, honest relationships with others
Independence and interdependence
A sense of emotional connectedness with self and others.

16. The 12 Guiding Principles of Exceptional Character
Responsibility Respect
Contemplation Compassion
Initiative Adaptability
Perseverance Honesty
Optimism Trustworthiness
Courage Loyalty

17. The 12 Misguided “Principles” of Problem Behavior
Irresponsible Disrespectful
Unthinking Unfeeling
Passive Rigid
Helpless Dishonest
Pessimistic Unreliable
Fearful Unfaithful

18. Questions to consider
What positive demonstrations of character are desired from students?
What strategies to promote character might be considered?