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Curriculum Materials
These resources range from individual lesson plans or activity ideas to fully developed curricula, each fostering character development. While CEP does not endorse any specific products, these tools may be great resources to add to your school-wide character education initiatives.
Bonner Center for Character Education click for details
The Bonner Center supports educators who provide wholesome environments for children. Part of California State University at Fresno, the center compliments the university’s teacher education program, where more elementary teachers are trained than anywhere else in California, helping to support educators throughout California’s Central Valley. Each student publicly states the “Educators’ Affirmation,” which includes language about cultivating character and role modeling. The center provides curriculum materials, character education ideas for elementary and middle schools, relevant research, and a book collection. It is also compiling an annotated bibliography of professional books with character education themes.
Building Character in Youth click for details
Jim Kestner’s website aims to provide educators, parents, students, and others with valuable ideas and resources for finding success and fulfillment in life through the pursuit of good character. The site includes free downloads, programs and resources for helping youth develop character and improve academic achievement, a Character Spotlight recognizing unusual acts of character, and advice on identifying the unique challenges and opportunities of your own situation. It includes links to workshops, programs, web-based courses, and keynote speech and presentation opportunities, as well as free video, audio, electronic, and print resources.
Building Community Institute click for details
The Institute, led by EAC member Clifton Taulbert, seeks to engage schools and workplaces in the dynamic process of building community. The team provides trainings and keynotes around the world to schools, organizations, and colleges that build off of Clifton’s work in authoring Eight Habits of the Heart. Details of training and keynote offerings, covering such topics as leadership, diversity, team building, and mentoring, are provided on the website, along with booking information.
Changing Lives by Mark 1 click for details
Mark1 focuses on developing positive character traits in an effort to lessen discipline problems in families, schools and society. They have developed the Changing Lives program, which is continually updated by a team of educators. The program includes materials and plans for all grade levels that are designed around universally accepted character traits. They provide ongoing consultation and training to schools and communities. The program consists of 36-week programs for elementary, middle and high school classrooms, as well as resources for athletic programs, parents and the broader community—such as the development of community character clubs.
Character Development and Leadership click for details
Dr. Joe Hodel authored this research-based curriculum and its accompanying textbook, which is designed to improve character and leadership traits among high school, middle school and alternative school students. Whether used as a stand-alone course or integrated into other core classes, the focus is on highlighting role models who exemplify the different character traits covered in the curriculum. Training for individual teachers or workshops and presentations for a larger staff development can be provided, focusing on improving school climate through character education and becoming a role model for students.
Coalition of Essential Schools click for details
CES is committed to creating and sustaining personalized, equitable, and intellectually challenging schools by working with educators to support and promote innovative and effective teaching that fostering continuous improvement and powerful professional learning communities. CES produces a journal that explores challenges schools face and provides evidence of the effectiveness of this approach. The website provides information on training opportunities and a variety of searchable resources. The CES ChangeLab is a unique environment where educators can upload lesson plans and documents to share with fellow practitioners, while also saving items they have found to their own online portfolios.
Collaboration for Ethical Education click for details
The Collaboration, part of the University of Notre Dame, builds ethical community and character by fostering scholarship and developing resources for education, sports, and media. Four main areas encompass analysis of media for ethical messaging, school curriculum development, fostering sportsmanship, and development of partnerships with other campus programs.
Committee for Children click for details
Committee for Children is a global nonprofit working to prevent bullying, violence and child abuse through social-emotional learning programs that teach kids how to stay safe, how to manage their emotions, how to solve problems, how to avoid risky behaviors, and how to improve their academics. In addition to its signature program, Second-Step, the organization also offers a bullying prevention program, a personal safety curriculum, and an early literacy program. The website offers funding ideas; provides an online community with various forums, groups, and a blog; and details training opportunities.
Developmental Studies Center click for details
DSC is dedicated to children’s academic, ethical and social development and helps schools and after-school programs become caring, inclusive communities as well as stimulating, supportive places to learn. They conduct research and develop programs that build children’s capacity to think clearly and critically while deepening their commitment to such values as kindness, helpfulness, personal responsibility and respect for others. Long-term collaborations ensure that programs are practical and feasible to implement, while being effective with diverse students in a broad range of settings. The website provides several blogs and forums, published research, grant opportunities, professional development information, and program materials.
Edu-quest International click for details
Edu-quest focuses on teaching, learning, leadership and organizational effectiveness by challenging minds, engaging hearts and strengthening skills. They build on successful practices already underway in school districts and assist in devising and implementing programs to ensure continuous improvement and creating the best possible education systems and learning cultures. The website provides details on programs and services offered around the globe; on founder and CEP Board member Avis Glaze’s background, publications and interviews; and for a special letter to educators newsletter.
Edutopia click for details
Edutopia is the result of the George Lucas Educational Foundation’s vision of a new world of learning where students and parents, teachers and administrators, policy makers and those they serve are empowered to change education for the better; where schools provide rigorous project-based learning, social-emotional learning, and access to new technologies; and where students become lifelong learners. Edutopia offers best practices, advice, real-world examples, contributions from practitioners, and valuable tips and tools. Community groups, blogs, examples of successful schools and strategies, videos, special reports, webinars, and a weekly newsletter are just a few of the ways to get involved.
Ethics Resource Center click for details
ERC is dedicated to research that advances high ethical standards and to supporting character education in secondary schools. The Center presents results at conferences, trainings, and meetings with senior managers. It supports character education by drawing on best practices, including student-centered and collaborative learning. The Student Fellows Program trains student leaders who become integral to character education efforts in their schools. Teachers can find information on character traits, discussion questions, and age-appropriate classroom resources offering realistic scenarios. The website provides an ethics toolkit; publications on ethics and character development; resources organized by topic, age and ethical values; and webcasts.
The Flippen Group click for details
The Flippen Group helps schools become thriving organizations that are driven by the mutual commitment of staff and students. The organization fosters specific skills, behaviors, and processes through training, curricula, and active mentoring and reinforcement. A 3-day off-site learning experience called “Capturing Kids’ Hearts” provides tools for staff to build trusting and productive relationships. Also available are several leadership series; a training and mentoring program; a teen leadership course; a supportive method for mastering reading and related skills; a character education program for elementary grades; in-services; and keynotes.
The Giraffe Heroes Project click for details
The Giraffe Project honors risk-takers who have the courage to stick their necks out for the common good. Honored “Giraffes” go above and beyond and are involved in long-term self-initiated efforts. Curriculum programs help foster courageous compassion, active citizenship and academic success by combining service-learning, character education, civic engagement and literacy training. The website provides information on the nomination and recognition process; workshops; publications, speakers and materials for schools; evaluation results and standards alignments; a database of heroes around the world; and a kids-only section with stories and illustrations.
Institute for Global Ethics click for details
IGE is dedicated to promoting ethical action by exploring the global common ground of values, elevating awareness, and providing practical tools for making ethical decisions. The Institute has departments focused on supporting corporate ethics, the educational community, government agencies, nonprofits and parents. It provides professional development to assist school leaders in developing school-wide cultures of integrity. The website includes articles, book excerpts, newsletters, podcasts, recent world news in ethics, executive briefings, reports, videos, white papers, a series of ethical dilemmas to think about, and an online store.
Kids of Character click for details
Kids of Character is a nonprofit promoting character development for youth, based in the Lehigh Valley, PA. It inspires youth to become ethical, responsible citizens through creating programs, recognizing individuals who demonstrate good character, and establishing community support. Kids of Character presents at seminars and conferences and advocates for character development with youth and parent organizations, service groups and business leaders. Age-appropriate programs have been developed that consultants can present, or curricula can be purchased to allow staff to present it themselves. The organization holds an annual conference and they can customize a program to fit your needs.
Learning for Life click for details
Learning for Life develops engaging academic, character, leadership and career-focused programs that enable students to achieve their full potential. The organization has developed an educational program that integrates character development with reading, math, science and social studies. The lessons are grade-appropriate, theme-oriented, research-based plans to enhance and support the core curriculum. A home-school assessment system can help parents focus their instruction to achieve the greatest learning gains for their children. Career-exploring programs provide real-world career experiences for teens through partnerships with businesses, nonprofits and government agencies, along with mentoring, leadership development and community service opportunities.
Lions Quest click for details
Lions Quest provides comprehensive, positive youth development curricula that empower and support adults in nurturing caring and responsible young people. The programs teach essential life skills to support character development, social-emotional learning and civic values. Sponsored by Lions Clubs International Foundation, the programs provide professional development that equips educators with research, materials and strategies for addressing critical issues facing youth. The organization provides classroom materials and workshops for Lions Quest instructor certification. The website provides results from evaluation reports, details on large-scale projects, sample lessons, links to funding opportunities, recognition information, and information for international programs.
National Character Education Center click for details
NCEC’s mission is to develop value-driven, respectful, and responsible people. It provides hundreds of solutions and practical strategies through its bookstore and free online newsletter “Values in Action,” as well as through seminars and keynote addresses on a wide variety of topics and different types of focus for every grade level.
Not in Our Town click for details
Not in Our Town documents and shares the experiences of everyday people developing extraordinary ways to oppose bigotry. Stories of positive action, told through films, social media, educational programs and grassroots community outreach motivate others to launch their own initiatives. Part of this movement includes Not in Our Schools, which inspires youth to launch their own campaigns against bullying and intolerance. An interactive map helps chart the movement’s progress so that you can get involved in local efforts, and an active blog highlights success stories. Through the website, you can download free videos, lesson plans and action kits.
Positive Action click for details
Positive Action improves academics, behavior and character by teaching and promoting positive actions that lead to success and happiness. The program includes K-12 curricula, supplemental kits, and school-wide climate development tools. The K-12 curriculum kits contain instructor’s manuals, lesson plans and materials for each grade level. Supplemental kits cover topics including substance abuse, violence prevention and conflict resolution. Training is available to understand objectives, establish cohesion and shared goals, and provide tips for achieving the best results. The website provides an extensive library of free evaluation instruments; free downloadable resources; and research on the program’s effectiveness.
Project Wisdom click for details
Project Wisdom is a character education program that contains materials for educators, classrooms, and the whole school. The program consists of a library of thought-provoking, inspirational messages that can be broadcast each morning, encouraging everyone to do and be their personal best; a subscription to a resource site that provides materials, such as lesson plans and weekly journals, to help students develop social, emotional, ethical and civic skills; and weekly morale boosters that are written for educators. The website provides sample materials, a preview of the educator resource site, and research on the effectiveness of the program.
Responsive Classroom click for details
Responsive Classroom is a widely used, research-backed approach to elementary education that is a general approach to teaching, rather than a program designed to address a specific issue, and consists of a set of practices, such as morning meetings, that build academic and social-emotional competencies. The organization offers a variety of services, including trainings, follow-up support, teacher leadership development, a national conference and regional workshops and seminars. The website provides a blog; a newsletter; the opportunity to search available resources by category, including articles, books, and multimedia; funding ideas; research details; and an online store.
School-Connect click for details
School-Connect publishes a program and trains educators in boosting students’ social, emotional and academic skills in high school. They also train educators to create supportive learning communities in high schools. The program is a 40-lesson curriculum that strengthens relationships among students and teachers by focusing on social awareness, self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. The website includes an educator network allowing educators to learn from each other as well as the authors. It also provides a preview of the program, sample lessons, funding ideas, books, and articles.
SouthEast Education Network click for details
The Network, through the print and electronic SEEN Magazine, provides resources, ideas and techniques to help educators be more effective while growing personally and professionally. SEEN addresses the needs of educators in the southeastern U.S., including classroom management technology, curriculum standards, 21st-century learning, school safety, and character education. SEEN also provides information on post-graduate degree programs and continuing education, best teaching practices, professional development, classroom products, educational travel, and personal and professional services for educators. The website presents articles, a buyer’s guide for products and resources, an archive of past magazine issues, recent news, videos and a blog.
Tribes Learning Community click for details
The TLC process improves learning because students feel appreciated by peers and teachers; are respected for different attributes; are actively involved in learning; and have positive expectations from others that they will succeed. Teachers use methods that are based on brain-compatible learning, multiple intelligences, cooperative learning and social development research. The website provides information on training opportunities, such as a basic course and several focused on particular grades, after school programs, leadership, or district trainers. It also provides a blog, discussion boards and a store.
University of Illinois Extension click for details
University of Illinois Extension offers training and resources about character development across the state to enable people to improve their lives and communities through learning partnerships that put knowledge to work. Parents, teachers, business owners, and civic leaders who work with and on behalf of young people and communities can become involved and promote ethical decisions in all facets of life. The website provides training resources for parents, schools and businesses, along with a variety of other resources for schools, youth groups, parents, and communities. Several activities geared directly towards kids are also available for download.
U.S. Department of Education: What Works in Character Education click for details
The What Works Clearinghouse publishes intervention reports that evaluate research on character education curricula and instructional strategies designed for use in elementary, middle, and/or high schools. These curricula and strategies are intended to improve student outcomes related to positive character development, pro-social behavior, and academic performance. Through the website, you can learn more about an intervention, search through them, and learning more about the review process for those interventions that are included.
WhyTry click for details
The WhyTry program provides hands-on solutions for dropout and violence prevention, truancy reduction and increased academic success. The organization provides keynotes, certification, in-service trainings, and conference breakout sessions. The program can be used in high school to incorporate critical social and emotional skills or in middle school to impact negative behavior during those transitional years. Simplified lesson plans and activities can be used with younger students to help with the increasing challenges they face. The website provides video clips, a case study, ideas on fostering relationships, articles, a calendar of upcoming trainings, online training opportunities, and a free trial.
WiseSkills click for details
The WiseSkills program teaches youth the traits and principles found in the concept of wisdom. It is an interdisciplinary, teacher-friendly approach that emphasizes modeling, teaching and reinforcing. The program highlights inspiring role models and helps schools reduce behavior problems, increase instructional time and build positive school culture. WiseSkills provides curriculum-integrated activities, character themes, advisory lessons, and resources that can build social-emotional skills and incorporate service-learning. The website features resources for use in classrooms or school-wide, with family, after-school programs, or in the community, as well as a catalog, newsletter, resource document library, and details on training opportunities.
Service-Learning
There are many resources available for community service projects, but these organizations dedicate themselves to fostering service in a more sustainable approach. They offer service-learning ideas and other resources to help your students engage with their surrounding community and become life-long advocates for giving back.
Corporation for National and Community Service click for details
The Corporation aims to engage all Americans by providing people-power to address emerging community needs; promoting volunteerism; and building character while creating career and educational opportunities. It provides grants, training and technical assistance to organizations and connects volunteers to suitable programs. The website houses a resource center of materials designed to strengthen programs—including newsletters, discussion lists and calendars of upcoming events; books, videos and other publications; an effective practices collection; networking opportunities; and several online courses. The Corporation co-sponsors an annual conference and hosts programs such as AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America.
The Golden Rule Foundation click for details
The Golden Rule Foundation believes fostering character development in children is serious business and is dedicated to helping schoolchildren build character through community service. They raise money to support class projects that meet a pressing community need, provide real-world applications for students’ class work, and help them grow from the experience. The website provides details on grant applications and community service ideas, as well as offering a calendar of events, news, a newsletter, and an opportunity for kids to nominate their peers for recognition.
The Haas Center for Public Service click for details
The Haas Center, at Stanford University, provides ways for Stanford students to connect their academic and service lives in order to realize a just and sustainable world through service, scholarship, and community partnerships. The Center has developed a set of principles for ethical and effective service, and it runs numerous programs for students to get involved with. The website provides resources for students, faculty, and the community, as well as an opportunity to post requests for help from student volunteers.
Hudson Public School District click for details
HPS is a Massachusetts district committed to promoting students’ intellectual, ethical and social development through challenging curricula and caring school environments. After becoming a National District of Character in 2001, they become a state sponsor in 2008. They continue to be recognized as a leader in instructional innovation and have developed a K-12 service-learning program. Viewed as a way to strengthen community ties, the website provides information on schools, expectations, programs, staff articles, corporate partnerships, grants, and links to community organizations. Details on HPS’s anti-bullying plan are available, along with a service-learning portal and news highlighting the latest programs and successes.
Learn and Serve America click for details
Learn and Serve America encourages service-learning nationwide by providing grants for school-community partnerships; offering training and technical assistance resources; and disseminates research, effective practices, curricula and program models. Service-learning projects make a significant contribution to education, public safety and environmental needs, while engaging students and strengthening community ties. Grants are used to create new programs, replicate existing ones, and provide training. The website provides details on education programs; innovative and community-based programs; an impact study; and a clearinghouse of resources that presents a wealth of information and reference materials.
National Service-Learning Partnership click for details
The Partnership is a national network dedicated to advancing service-learning. It concentrates on strengthening the impact of service-learning on learning and development, while also advocating for service-learning in federal policy. The Partnership supports members by sharing resources, organizing change, sponsoring innovation and providing training. The website provides service-learning tools, resources and best practices; a marketplace for professional services; monthly updates with news, resources and opportunities to take action; resources for beginners; curricula, assessment tools and lesson plans; information on aligning service-learning with academic standards; strategies for collaborating with community organizations; and a variety of publications.
National Youth Leadership Council click for details
NYLC is at the forefront of the movement to link youth, educators, and communities through service-learning. The annual conference draws thousands of service-learning practitioners and the research NYLC publishes is transforming the field and influencing public policy. NYLC fosters commitment to engaged learning characterized by academic rigor, civic engagement and character development. To involve youth directly, NYLC maintains an advisory council of teens. The website provides details on awards; an ongoing national study; a service-learning certificate program; an annual institute exploring urban service-learning; publications; newsletters; and a resource library where you can save files and submit practices.
South Dakota 4-H click for details
South Dakota 4-H, part of the state university’s Cooperative Extension Service, offers members a chance to get involved in the community as volunteers and youth leaders by organizing and carrying out volunteer and service-learning projects. Each club maintains its own focus, based on the interests of its own members. Affiliated with Character Counts, the South Dakota 4-H website provides resources that assist in teaching youth about being a person of character. It includes activities, events and lessons, all available on the website, along with information on awards, scholarships, international youth exchange, an annual conference, training opportunities and a newsletter.
Youth Service America click for details
YSA is a coalition of local, state, national and global organizations supporting a culture of engaged youth committed to a lifetime of service, learning and leadership by advocating for the power of youth as problem-solvers and by engaging youth as volunteers, academic achievers and leaders. YSA organizes campaigns such as Global Youth Service Day (GYSD), provides funding and recognition, and offers resources and training. A framework can help students implement a semester-long project, supplemented with an online network of supportive youth. The website provides a toolkit for GYSD along with the opportunity to purchase materials and see best practices.
Addressing Specific Needs
The organizations provided here are a collection of resources that cover specific topic areas. While they cover a wide variety of topics, each one has a connection to character education goals. Find here resources covering
- Arts and Character Education
- Assemblies and Presentations
- Books and Multimedia Products
- Bully and Hate Crime Prevention
- Developing Values
- Experiential Learning
- Leadership
- Storytelling
- Well-Being, Self-Esteem, Goal-Setting and Health Awareness
- Youth Court
Arts and Character Education
- Character through the Arts click for details
CTTA was a four-year grant funded through the US Department of Education. The purpose was to integrate arts agencies, teaching artists, and the Artful Learning education reform model with proven character education strategies. The grant proposed to determine the impact this integration had on moral character and academic achievement. The website provides a large library of extensive, cross-curricular lesson plans that employ the CTTA model; videos and descriptions of arts-based strategies; videos of classroom meetings; and links to additional resources that teachers used during the project.
Assemblies and Presentations
- Character County! Productions, Inc. click for details
Character County! Productions brings entertaining character education assembly programs to schools and venues in the southeastern U.S. Performances include upbeat songs, inspiring stories, humorous dialogue with large full-body puppets, unusual props and active audience participation. The website provides information on award-winning CDs with teacher guides. - Climb Theatre click for details
Climb produces original plays and classes for K-12 grades on a variety of character development topics, such as bully prevention, responsibility, social skills, and acceptance of differences. The plays are research-based and written to achieve specific educational objectives. Classes are made up of age-appropriate activities and scenes that either teach an important lesson or provoke new thoughts about an issue that kids deal with every day. The website also offers supportive products that follow up their presentations. - Million Dollar Machine click for details
Million Dollar Machine provides scientifically-validated life skills training that helps children achieve their personal best in life through lesson plans and assembly programs that promote self-responsibility and motivate children to maintain positive relationships and respect for others. The website provides free downloadable lesson samples, information on school assembly opportunities, educational books and products, and a life skills knowledge base that is made up of a free collection of articles and online resources to supplement lesson plans. The knowledge base provides book recommendations and advice for parents and teachers on a variety of topics.
Books and Multimedia Products
- Character Development Group click for details
Character Development Group provides staff development resources, including Dr. Phil Vincent’s Character Education Series of books, curricula, and workshops. The company also publishes materials from other leading character education experts. The website provides information on numerous publications used extensively in schools throughout the U.S., as well as workshop, conference, and keynote presentation opportunities. - Connect with Kids click for details
CWK is a multimedia education company focused on improving the social and emotional well-being of children and teens. CWK’s mission is to connect kids with adults, using the power of real stories on video, television and the internet. Resources include DVDs, books and television programs that profile real kids, parents and experts talking about difficult issues like bullying, stress and drugs. The website includes member access to educational and journalistic content, including video, research studies, tips, lesson plans, facts, guidelines and standards. Also look for their newsletter, blog, resources for the classroom, and professional development opportunities. - Film Clips for Character Education click for details
Film Clips provides educators with clips from major motion pictures cleared for use as teaching resources. Each episode is accompanied by a study guide prepared by expert educators. Clips can be ordered in a variety of packages, with the largest collection containing 89 clips. The website provides several lesson plans and the opportunity for a two-week free trial. Clips are available on DVDs, or they can be streamed directly online or via the school’s server. - Free Spirit Publishing click for details
Free Spirit provides children, teens, and the adults who care about them, with the tools they need to succeed. They provide books and other learning materials that are practical, positive, pro-kid, and solution-focused to help develop talents, build resiliency, and foster a positive outlook on life so they can reach their goals. The website includes separate sections for parents, educators, teens and kids. Also sign up for a newsletter, request a catalog or view it online, learn how to submit manuscripts, download free book excerpts and activities, and see the latest news and partnerships. - Rising Star Education click for details
RSE creates and distributes audio, video and print media resources that are safe, classroom-proven and entertaining. These resources encourage children to build excellence in character, relationships and academics. Using creative storytelling, award-winning animation and kid-friendly support resources, RSE provides high-quality media for educators and the children they serve. The company is the exclusive licensee of the Auto-B-Good character-building children’s 3-D animated series for the education market. The website provides the opportunity to preview samples of the products before purchasing and more information on each series is provided. - USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education click for details
Established by Steven Spielberg to gather video testimonies from Holocaust survivors, the Institute has broadened its mission to overcoming prejudice, intolerance and bigotry—and the suffering they cause—through use of these testimonies. The Institute reaches educators, students and researchers worldwide and supports efforts to collect testimony from survivors and witnesses of other genocides. It creates web-based educational tools that provide easier access to archived testimonies, while simultaneously transforming taped testimonies into digital format. The website provides short segments of testimony, organized by to topic; lists of upcoming events; information on research stipends; professional development opportunities; and teacher resources. - Young People’s Press click for details
Young People’s Press provides a variety of resources available for purchase from their online catalog. Curriculum areas covered include language arts, reading, and social responsibility, with plans to expand to cover math as well. The language arts section includes materials to help students sharpen grammar, usage, and mechanical skills by making daily oral language a morning ritual, while incorporating lessons about important character traits.
Bully and Hate Crime Prevention
- Hudson Public School District click for details
HPS is a Massachusetts district committed to promoting students’ intellectual, ethical and social development through challenging curricula and caring school environments. After becoming a National District of Character in 2001, they become a state sponsor in 2008. They continue to be recognized as a leader in instructional innovation and have developed a K-12 service-learning program. Viewed as a way to strengthen community ties, the website provides information on schools, expectations, programs, staff articles, corporate partnerships, grants, and links to community organizations. Details on HPS’s anti-bullying plan are available, along with a service-learning portal and news highlighting the latest programs and successes. - No Bully click for details
No Bully brings innovative, long-term solutions to school bullying, harassment and violence. This nonprofit partners with schools and districts nationwide to implement building blocks that create bully-free learning communities, through strategies such as structured meetings that bring together a team of students under an adult leader to stop the bullying of a peer. No Bully provides trainings organized for a specific school, open to the public, or in a train-the-trainer model. The website provides advice for administrators, teachers, parents and counselors, as well as a blog and e-newsletter. - Olweus Bullying Prevention Program click for details
OBPP is backed by over 35 years of research and implementation in many countries. It has been proven to prevent or reduce bullying throughout a school setting. The program targets system-wide change at the individual, classroom, school, and community levels, reaching out to parents and community members for involvement and support. The organization’s website provides an introduction to bullying and how to prevent it; maps of state laws related to bullying; details on the program, its benefits, and research; testimonial videos; funding ideas; training opportunities; and related publications available from Hazelden Publishing. - Operation Respect click for details
OR aims to assure each child a respectful climate of learning where academic and social development can take place free of bullying, ridicule and violence. Founded by Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul & Mary, the organization disseminates resources such as the free Don’t Laugh at Me program, which uses inspiring music, video and curriculum guides to promote peaceful conflict resolution. OR also offers assembly programs and training. Check out their website for events, videos, a newsletter, resources for parents, and information on United Voices for Education, a coalition of organizations dedicated to excellence in education for all children. - Partners Against Hate click for details
Partners Against Hate was started as a project of several nonprofits to provide educational and counteraction strategies for young people and community professionals who interact with them. The program provides blueprints, activities, and tools to help adults teach children not to hate, how to safely use the internet, and how to create programs with their student peers. The website provides several guides and a manual for dealing with hate on the internet. It also provides resources for community and business leaders, educators, law enforcement, parents and families, youth and trainers and a database of hate crimes and state legislation. - StopBullying.gov click for details
StopBullying provides information from various government agencies on how kids, teens, young adults, parents, educators, and community members can prevent or stop bullying. It provides resources for you if you or someone you know is being bullied, as well as information on what bullying is, how to recognize warning signs, and how to get help. The website includes directories of violence prevention programs, resources for educators, research papers, and details on the White House Conference on Bullying Prevention. Special topics covered include cyberbullying and LGBT bullying.
Civic Education
- Close Up Foundation click for details
Close Up is a nonprofit that provides challenging, hands-on civic education programs for students and teachers who come to Washington, DC. These programs are known for their impact on student attitudes through learning, making personal connections to history, and challenging opinions, as well as for giving teachers insights to take back to the classroom. Participants get a “close up” view of government and democracy in action. Teachers often travel with their students and participate in a unique program, sharing “best practices” with peers. The website provides information on classroom teaching tools, such as an annual textbook and TV shows. - Utah Coalition for Civic, Character and Service Learning click for details
The Coalition aims to instill in all students the desire to become engaged citizens, endowed with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and confidence to participate fully in democratic life. The collaborative effort of the Coalition fosters community awareness of civic education and the need for engaged citizenship. The website includes links to coalition member websites, a membership application, training opportunities, information on signature programs such as the Dialogue on Democracy event, a newsletter archive, research, and a handful of lesson plans and helpful handouts.
Developing Values
- Characters of Character click for details
Characters of Character is a nonprofit committed to making a difference in the lives of as many children as possible. The organization establishes a strong foundation for children to develop civic values by providing resources to teach children a variety of character traits, allowing them to be introduced to each trait and understand and internalize its meaning. Their program uses animals to provide children with an outlet to be creative while practicing fine motor, reading, writing, decision-making and social skills. Classroom visits by costumed characters are available. The website also includes online games and free activities. - Heart of Education click for details
The Heart of Education inspires individuals to live authentic, joyful lives; families to raise children of compassion and integrity; educators to create safe, caring and high-performing communities; and leaders to encourage excellence and ethics. The organization offers personal, professional and organizational development; youth leadership and family outreach programs; instructional materials; and five simple strategies that can be used to create an environment where students learn to be smart and choose to be good. The website provides information on customizable keynotes, workshops, mentoring, and strategic planning opportunities. It also offers books, cards, CDs, posters, and free downloads. - The Virtues Project click for details
The Virtues Project is a grassroots global initiative that empowers individuals to live meaningful lives; families to raise compassionate children; educators to foster caring communities; and leaders to encourage excellence and ethics. Personal practices enable us to transform negativity, to discern teachable moments and to set clear boundaries. Parents become mentors helping children to become compassionate, respectful and purposeful. Schools foster academic excellence while creating a culture of caring, along with trust among staff. The website provides information on speakers, workshops, mentoring opportunities, consultation, resources by category, and a virtues shop. - Virtue Toys click for details
Virtue Toys began as a game that helps teach character by being specific with our language through a bingo-style card game where students complete tasks described on cards, often in cooperation with other players. The organization is developing a variety of toys and games that speed up the process of understanding and internalizing values by creating opportunities to practice and see virtues in action. The website provides a sampling of ideas and lesson plans that can start a discussion with kids about virtues. - We Choose Virtues click for details
We Choose Virtues inspires children through simple, positive and consistent instructions. Each kit contains a teacher’s guide, posters and cards that introduce and demonstrate each virtue, allowing you to reinforce them throughout the year so that students can fully memorize, demonstrate and apply each one. The catchphrases are positive, practical and precise action statements that form the core of each virtue. The website offers a free student character assessment tool that provides a way to measure outcomes for each student.
Experiential and Expeditionary Learning
- Expeditionary Learning Schools click for details
EL is a national school reform organization that partners with all types of schools to open new schools and transform existing ones to allow all students to achieve academic success and develop 21st-century skills necessary for college and beyond. EL schools inspire learning, engage teachers and students, and transform schools into places where students and adults become leaders of their own learning. The website includes results data; a best-practices blog; information on scheduled seminars, workshops, and conferences; a recommended reading list; news, including community stories; and details on obtaining summer funding grants. - National Society for Experiential Education click for details
NSEE is an association of educators, businesses and community leaders that support the use of learning through experience for intellectual and ethical development, cross-cultural awareness, and career exploration. It disseminates good practices and innovations; enhances the growth and leadership of its members; and encourages research and theory. NSEE holds a national conference as well as regional workshops and informs educators by publishing books and papers. Consulting services are available, along with an academy that culminates in a certificate of completion. The website provides information on a scholarship fund, awards, and networks where members share resources, research and ideas.
Leadership
- Focused Leadership Solutions click for details
FLS helps schools raise student achievement by improving instruction and building effective teams through customized trainings. They take your existing talent and help build skills and improve working relationships. Often they develop long-term partnerships with on-site and online support and assistance, such as ongoing leadership training for principals and district leaders. - Leadership Innovations Team click for details
LIT is committed to understanding each situation and developing custom solutions that helps schools thrive by empowering staff, focusing administrators, and developing students. They provide tools and support to help leaders and organizations identify specific research-based areas to target. LIT believes that leadership is the difference in creating and sustaining successful organizations. The website provides more details on services available for mentors and coaches, classroom teachers, leaders, and one-on-one coaching. It also includes several publications, articles, a podcast library, presentation materials, and several free tools for leaders. - New Leaders for New Schools click for details
New Leaders attracts, prepares, and supports outstanding individuals to become the next generation of school leaders in response to the immense need for exceptional principals in our nation’s urban public schools. It has developed into a national movement of leaders with an unwavering commitment to ensure that every student achieves academic excellence. Through city partnerships, New Leaders has been increasing demand from districts for principal training programs. The website provides information on the program and admission procedures, city requirements and district partnerships, and the EPIC program to help outstanding teachers who are making epic changes in the classroom.
Storytelling
- Story Values click for details
Story Values is an integrated online resource that uses storytelling to support character education, ELL, bully prevention, social responsibility and citizenship, and equity and inclusive education strategies. Five unique programs are offered, covering comprehensive character education, foundations of multiculturalism, common-ground bully prevention, elements of our environment, and Story Values at home. The website provides information on workshops, podcasts, a newsletter and blog, an online community, and access to electronic files with recorded stories and printable classroom materials.
Well-Being, Self-Esteem and Goal-Setting
- Accent on Success click for details
Accent on Success has developed several tools to help young people develop into positive and productive adults, including several books and slideshow presentations. Learn about important life skills such as goal setting, respect, responsibility, educational ownership, and developing a positive attitude. - Bing Note click for details
Bing Note provides products and various resources to help build self-esteem in children by providing tools to protect them from the effects of harsh words or playground abuses. Using a character called “Bingzy,” the team has developed a picture book, a CD, activity sheets, and other helpful merchandise and advice. - The Greater Good Science Center click for details
The GGSC, part of the University of California—Berkeley, studies the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of well-being, and teaches skills that foster a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society. Its scientific initiatives are undertaken by university fellowships. Originally the Center published a print magazine, which has since been transformed into a dynamic, multimedia, online format. The highly interactive website includes hundreds of articles that fuse in-depth practical reporting with inspiring stories of compassion in action, video and podcast series, book reviews, a blog with science-based tips for more joyful kids and happier parents, and a seminar series. - Project Adventure click for details
Project Adventure’s cutting-edge physical education, health/wellness and behavior management programs seek to develop responsible individuals, productive organizations and sustainable communities. It offers a multitude of tools, including workshops for professionals, challenge course design and installation, curricula, and customized programs. For schools in particular, signature programs include Adventure in the Classroom, Peaceable Playgrounds, customized Youth Programs, Health & Wellness. Programs are also tailored to youth organizations, businesses, college preparation, and at-risk youth. The website provides books, publications, and information on becoming a member.
Youth Court
- Global Youth Justice click for details
Global Youth Justice empowers youth to serve as youth justice advocates for a more peaceful world. These voluntary diversion programs help improve our quality of life by reducing crime and incarceration rates around the globe. These programs use positive peer pressure to help lead other youth to adhere to the rule of law and become more productive citizens. The website provides resources such as articles on youth justice, information on training institutes, an e-newsletter, news and video blogs, publications, free training resources, global youth justice awards, and a directory of related resource links.