Washington, DC –The Character Education Partnership (CEP) reminds educators the deadline for applying for National School of Character (NSOC) status is December 3, 2012 . Any school impacted by Hurricane Sandy is asked to contact their state sponsor should they need to request a deadline extension.
In schools of character, teachers work with parents and community members as partners to positively shape the social, emotional, and character development of the young people entrusted. As a result, students in these schools feel safe, respected, and connected to those around them, allowing them to thrive academically and socially and be motivated to give back to their communities.
All schools and districts that can demonstrate excellence in character education, as measured by CEP’s 11 Principles of Effective Character Education, will be considered for State and/or National Schools of Character recognition. 206 NSOC have been named in the United States.
“Winning the NSOC award is very prestigious, but it isn’t about getting an award. It is about doing the work that is important. The award just affirms that the work you are doing as a school community is representative of the 11 Principles.”–Connie Browning, Principal, Uthoff Valley E.S. (2011 NSOC)
Click to learn about Northview High School in Florissant, MO a 2012 National School of Character.
As example, each of the 2011 National Schools of Character reached an average of 273 educators representing an average of 123 schools during their 2011-2012 award year. The 2011 winning district reached over 77,000 educators. Combined, the 2011 NSOC are estimated to have reached close to 90,000 educators!
Schools and districts selected as 2013 NSOC will demonstrate that character development has had a positive impact on academics, student behavior, and school climate. Once confirmed as a NSOC, the school is encouraged to serve as models for other schools, helping them to achieve the same results!
Benefits of engaging in the NSOC application process:
- Schools gain insights into what high-quality character education looks like in schools, helping them to improve and strengthen their own programs.
- Schools have the opportunity to reflect on their practices and programs and assess their level of implementation against a recognized standard of excellence.
- Schools receive guidance, feedback, and recognition at no cost—other than their time.
NSOC hold their designation for 5 years. CEP honors all winners at its annual National Forum on Character Education.
Character Education Partnership is a national advocate and leader for the character education movement. Based in Washington, DC, we are a nonprofit, nonpartisan, nonsectarian coalition of organizations and individuals committed to fostering effective character education in our nation’s schools. We provide the vision, leadership and resources for school, families and communities to develop ethical citizens committed to building a just and caring world.
