By Lara Maupin, NSOC Coordinator
CEP’s Schools of Character program is a free school improvement process offers the opportunity for self-assessment, expert feedback, and possible recognition to schools and districts engaged in character education. Applicants repeatedly tell us about the benefits of the process. “I would suggest going through the process. The feedback, win or lose, is an invaluable tool in assessing and improving your character education program,” said Aaron Wilken, Principal of Fox Middle School, a 2011 NSOC. Any U.S. school serving students in Kindergarten through 12th grade may apply, regardless of whether or not you are located in a participating state. If you do not have a State Sponsor, your application will be reviewed by CEP. Applicants located in participating states are eligible for both state and national recognition.
While considered a prestigious awards program, CEP’s Schools of Character program is not actually competitive. All applications are judged against a standard – CEP’s 11 Principles – and all those that demonstrate excellence are named State and/or National Schools of Character. Applications must be completed and be submitted online at by December 3, 2012 in order to be reviewed and considered for possible recognition in 2013. CEP and our State Sponsors provide a wide variety of resources for applicants.
Five high schools in Kansas that are participating in the Partnership in Character Education Program grant sponsored by United States Department of Education and the Kansas Department of Education have been recognized by the governor of the state as part of the fifth annual Governor’s Achievement awards honoring top performing schools in the state. Read more
Clifton-Clyde Senior High School, Lakin High School, Northern Heights High School, Silver Lake Junior/Senior High School, and Weskan High School are among 18 high schools to receive this prestigious award. Each of these five schools sent teams to an 11 Principles of Effective Character Education Foundational training and did ongoing work on the development of positive culture and climate with strategies and tools learned. To receive this prestigious award, schools must have achieved the Standard of Excellence in both reading and mathematics for 2011. Additionally, the school must have made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in both reading and mathematics and one additional measure in 2011. The additional AYP measure for high schools is their graduation rate. Further, the schools must have been among the top 5 percent of schools in both reading and mathematics on the 2011 state assessments. “The Governor’s Achievement Award is a significant recognition for Kansas schools,” said Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Diane DeBacker. “The accomplishment recognizes a school’s high expectations and the ability of the school staff to assist students in achieving to those expectations.”
Teachers looking to plan creative and effective service learning projects are now able to identify a wealth of free resources provided by the non-profit organization Character Education Partnership (CEP). This newly designed website and initiative includes sample projects from award-winning schools, guidelines to ensure projects enhance academic achievement, and a variety of learning opportunities.
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Teachers looking to plan creative and effective service learning projects are now able to identify a wealth of free resources provided by the non-profit organization Character Education Partnership (CEP). This newly designed website and initiative includes sample projects from award-winning schools, guidelines to ensure projects enhance academic achievement, and a variety of learning opportunities.
Continue reading →
Everyone at the Character Education Partnership was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic death of Stephen Covey. He served on CEP’s National Leadership Council for many years.
Dr. Covey’s prolific writings were a great influence on me personally and the way I approached leadership and management. He taught millions of others throughout the nation and world not only how to be better managers, but how to be better people.
Stephen Covey was a remarkable teacher, a man of great principle and faith, a loyal and caring husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Covey’s family at this very difficult time.
Mark Hyatt President & CEO
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