The Character Education Partnership (CEP) has named 28 public schools, 2 charter schools, and 5 school districts as National Finalists in the 2013 National Schools of Character (NSOC) program.
“These schools are safe places that have developed cultures of respect and trust,” said CEP President Mark Hyatt. “They show us how an intentional emphasis on character and climate translates into creating the conditions necessary for learning, safety, and success.”
Schools that apply for NSOC recognition benefit from self-assessment as well as the expert feedback they receive at no cost. Once they reach a standard of excellence, a process that may take several years, they are recognized as Schools of Character and asked to help other schools transform their school cultures. Describing the program as a path to school improvement through high-quality character education, CEP has offered the NSOC program to K-12 schools and districts in the U.S. since 1998.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to share the inspirational stories of more school communities doing what’s best for children day in and day out,” said Lara Maupin, NSOC Director. “These are schools where parents feel supported in their most important job – raising good kids.”
The 35 National Finalists were selected from an applicant pool of 131 schools and districts across the United States based on the quality of their written applications. In March and April they will undergo an intensive screening process that will include site visits and analysis of the impact of their character-related efforts on academics, student behavior, and school culture.
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