Randy is a strategic thinker who understands that developing character-based citizens is in the long-term best interest of our nation and world. I have no doubt that he will help take our organization to a totally new level, not just to honor his father, but because he believes it is the right thing to do.
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WASHINGTON, DC, June 12, 2012— The Character Education Partnership (CEP) is proud to announce that Norman Augustine has been chosen to receive the 2012 American Patriot of Character award.

Each year, this national award is given to one American citizen whose leadership exemplifies the very best of our nation’s founding principles and ideals.  It seeks to recognize individuals who rise to the top of their chosen fields while upholding the very highest ethical standards in service to the common good. The award will be presented at CEP’s National Forum on Character Education, Nov. 3, at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, DC.

Augustine is the former Chairman and CEO of the Lockheed Martin Corporation, former Under Secretary of the United States Army, a key adviser to US Presidents, and a tireless and long-term advocate for improving America’s schools.

“Norm Augustine is man of great integrity who not only models good character in his own life but frequently speaks to audiences on the importance of honesty, respect, responsibility, service and citizenship,” said Mark Hyatt, CEP’s President & CEO.

Among Augustine’s many honors are the U.S. Department of Defense’s highest civilian award, the Distinguished Service Medal, given to him five times, and the National Medal of Technology awarded by the President of the United States.   Most recently, he was awarded the National Science Foundation Vannevar Bush Award; the Bower Award for Business Leadership, from The Franklin Institute; the AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Prize; the Public Welfare Medal from the National Academy of Science; the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy; the Goddard Memorial Trophy; and the Wings Club Award.

Informed of the American Patriot of Character award, Mr. Augustine said, “I believe there can be no finer recognition than one for character, patriotism and ethics—especially when it comes from one’s peers.  I am deeply honored.”

Augustine is co-author of The Defense Revolution and Shakespeare In Charge and author of Augustine’s Laws and Augustine’s Travels and chaired the committee that produced the seminal report on U.S. education and competitiveness, “The Gathering Storm.”

His many volunteer leadership positions have included Chairman of the American Red Cross, President of the Boy Scouts of America, Chairman of the National Academy of Engineering, President of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Chairman of the Defense Science Board, and member of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

Augustine graduated from Princeton University with a BSE in Aeronautical Engineering, magna cum laude, and an MSE. He was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, Tau Beta Pi and Sigma Xi. In addition, he holds 28 honorary degrees and was selected by Who’s Who in America and the Library of Congress as one of “Fifty Great Americans” on the occasion of Who’s Who’s 50^th anniversary. He has traveled in 111 countries and stood on both the North and South Poles of the earth.

“I am so pleased that the CEP leadership chose Mr. Augustine to be the 2012 American Patriot of Character, “Hyatt said. “I look forward to what I know will be a powerful speech on leadership and integrity when he receives his award at the National Forum on Character Education this November in Washington, DC.”

Logan County, Kentucky, has started a community character initiative called CharacterWorks. Believing that schools cannot address character alone and that it needs to be a part of a community campaign, they developed a partnership with government leaders and businesses.
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May 15, 2012—WASHINGTON, DC—Academic achievement, student behavior, and classroom culture – the ABCs that many schools struggle with – are areas of excellence for more than 300 schools recognized by the Character Education Partnership (CEP). CEP selected 25 National Schools of Character and 297 Promising Practices for 2012.

“You hear so much about school problems these days that it’s great to focus on schools that work,” said CEP President & CEO Mark Hyatt. “These schools went through a very rigorous evaluation process and we are thrilled to recognize their achievements and tell their stories.”

Students from all types of schools are reaping the rewards from quality, comprehensive character education that engages parents, students, staff, and the community as partners. Each schoolhas a story to tell about increased academic achievement, fewer disciplinary problems, and other benefits of a caring school climate. See the full list of National Schools of Character.

For example, Hamilton City School District, an urban district in Hamilton, OH, with a poverty rate of 70% has seen its graduation rate increase from 77.5% to 92.2% over the past four years.

Another inspiring National School of Character is Eagle Rock School in rural Estes Park, CO, designed to meet the needs of “at-risk” high school students. Aremarkable 80% of the students graduate. One staff member said, “Our graduates speak about the transformative nature of their years at ERS. They are in the workforce, in undergraduate, masters, and PhD programs. They were headed toward drop out status.”

Students say bullying israre at another National School of Character. “We don‘t have bullying issues,” said James, a fifth-grader at Mockingbird Elementary School in Coppell,TX.

For the past five years, more than 95% of students scored at least “proficient” on tests in language arts and math at Mockingbird Elementary. A Mockingbird staff member said, “Our staff and families recognize that academic achievement has no meaning unless our learners have integrity, a good work ethic, care for others, and are able to work collaboratively in an effective, supportive manner.”

All of the 2012 National Schools of Character serve as models and mentors, helping other educators transform their school cultures and improve academics and behavior. You can see details about each NSOC and the Promising Practices on CEP’s website. This year’s National Schools of Character represent 20 public schools, three private schools, one charter schooland one district.

The 297 Promising Practices will go to schools, districts, and organizations from across the United States, as well as from Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, and Mexico. Winning practices were selected from a record-breaking 537 applications.See list of Promising Practice winners.

“These practices showcase so many creative and unique ways of dealing with challenges educators face each day,” said Lisa Greeves, manager of the Promising Practices program. “CEP is proud to recognize these educators and to give them an international platform upon which to share their hard work.”

This year’s winning practices include unique anti-bullying programs, successful integration of academics and character, self-motivation and goal-setting strategies, service-learning activities, and community outreach.

Both the National Schools of Character and Promising Practices will be featured at the National Forum on Character Education to take place Nov. 1-4, 2012, in Washington, DC, where they will share their secrets to success.

“These schools demonstrate school cultures that enable all their students to thrive socially and academically,” said NSOC Director Lara Maupin. “Schools of character are places that bring out the best in everyone – students, staff, and even parents and community members.” Watch a video about the power of Schools of Character.

To learn how your school can become a school of character, download CEP’s framework, the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education.

May 14, 2012

Washington, DC – The Character Education Partnership (CEP) has announced it will award 297 Promising Practices to schools, districts, and organizations from across the United States, as well as from Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, and Mexico. Winning practices were selected from a record-breaking 537 applications.

“These practices showcase so many creative and unique ways of dealing with challenges educators face each day,” said Lisa Greeves, manager of the Promising Practices program. “CEP is proud to recognize these educators and to give them an international platform upon which to share their hard work.”

This year’s winning practices include unique anti-bullying programs, successful integration of academics and character, self-motivation and goal-setting strategies, service-learning activities, and community outreach.

CEP’s 2012 National and International Promising Practices in Character Education represent:

• 5 nations
• 30 states and the District of Columbia – with the largest numbers from Missouri (107), New Jersey (31), New York (15), and Kansas (13)
• 209 public schools, 18 charter schools, 15 private schools, 12 school districts, and 4 youth-serving organizations

CEP sponsors the annual program to showcase innovative best practices that are having an impact across the nation and abroad. CEP encourages educators with similar needs to learn from and even replicate these successful initiatives. CEP will honor the 2012 recipients at the 19th National Forum on Character Education, to be held in Washington, DC, November 1 – 3. Learn more by searching CEP’s database of Promising Practices.