May 2012
CEP selected 25 National Schools of Character and 297 Promising Practices for 2012 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 CEP.  See 2012 National Schools of Character >> See 2012 Promising Practices >> Read press release >>
Plan Now for the National Forum "Developing Leaders of Integrity" Nov. 1-4, 2012 in Washington, D.C. Register today for the premier conference on character education. Taking place in November, CEP’s Forum offers a well-timed and unique opportunity for you to reflect on the first quarter of the school year and make changes for a great rest of the year. You’ll know your students and the challenges your classroom or school face. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with and learn from top scholars and experienced character educators! Participants tell us that hot topic discussions are a best part of the Forum. These interactive discussions with peers and top scholars seek answers to and share advice related to today’s pressing issues in education. It’s your chance to collaborate with others to create solutions to the problems facing you and your school. Hot topic discussions will cover the following issues: How Can We Best Develop Leaders of Integrity? How Do We Develop Empathy and Reduce Bullying? How Does Character Education Connect to the Common Core? What are the Challenges and Opportunities of Digital Media for Character Education? How Can You Make Your School Less Like a Prison? Why is Character Education an Essential Part of Academic Achievement? Why is Character Education an Effective Tool for Transforming School Climate? How Can We Increase Self-Motivation? Why Should and How Can We Engage Parents and the Community in Character Education? Register for the Forum by July 1st to save up to $100!	No Refuge for Role Models By Mark Hyatt President & CEO When I was growing up, I heard adults say: “Do as I say not as I do.” After spending the last decade as a public school superintendent, it didn’t take me long to realize that the kids of this millennium don’t have much use for that approach. Instead, they prefer role models whom they can emulate in every way, every day -- folks who "walk the talk" and live their own message. Students today want teachers, administrators, bus drivers and cafeteria workers who treat them with respect and dignity and who encourage everyone to do the right thing. Whether or not they express it in so many words, the many youngsters with whom I have worked have demonstrated a real desire for role models both inside and outside the classroom.  Read more >>
Webinar Series Transform School Culture-Make it Happen! There are only three webinars left in CEP’s series! Register today to gain the valuable resources and concrete tools presented in each webinar. May 24—“Celebrating Your Results!," led by Mike Galvin, Former NSOC principal and School Leadership Consultant, and Chris Briggs-Hale, current school Principal and Leadership Specialist. There will be a focus on data collection and its uses at the classroom level. June 7—“Making that Data Meaningful!" led by Mike Galvin, Former NSOC principal and School Leadership Consultant, and Chris Briggs-Hale, current school Principal and Leadership Specialist. We will focus on school and district data collection and uses for the data. June 14—“Reflection and Opportunities," led by Barbara Luther, CEP Director, Prof. Development. This webinar will reflect on the information presented throughout the webinar series and present an array of next steps for advancing your character education initiative. Sign up a team from your school for this accessible, affordable training from experts in character education. All webinars are 3:30-4:30 p.m. EST. Each webinar is $49, but sign up for the series of 12 for $299 (half price). Recordings of all past webinars are available! Register now >>	Researchers looking for sample report cards Dr. Maurice Elias, Professor of Psychology at Rutgers University and a member of CEP’s EAC, has asked for CEP’s help with a current research project. They are hopeful that readers who value SEL and Character Education will assist them by sending samples of report card comments and other areas of report cards which address SEL and aspects of students’ character to be considered in this project. The project is based on developing an evidence-based method for teachers to report individual student progress on the development of SEL competencies.  Read more >>
Promising Practices that Increase Student Motivation With the academic year winding down across the nation and standardized testing going full force, sometimes it can be hard to remind our students to do their best day after day after day. The weather is warm, the end of school is just around the corner, and sometimes it’s hard to keep everyone’s motivation high. Looking for some new strategies to maintain your students’ motivation in the coming weeks? Need some fresh ideas to jumpstart a new program in the fall to help sustain motivation throughout the coming academic year?  Read more >>
News from the States Lots of states have been celebrating their state schools of character, and we salute the hard working State Schools of Character Coordinators. Here are just a few things happening that states have reported to us. Minnesota Character Recognition Day  Governor Mark Dayton has declared May, 17, 2012, as Character Recognition Day in Minnesota! The proclamation coincides with the Minnesota State Schools of Character & Promising Practices Awards ceremony on May 17 at the State Capitol. Synergy & Leadership Exchange will be recognizing one Minnesota State School of Character and nine Promising Practice Award honorees at the event. Kentucky County Community Character Initiative  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.  Read more >>
News Briefs Board Member Honored The National Foundation of Patriotism, non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness about the history of patriotism in America and its relevance in the daily lives of its citizens, honored CEP Board member Betty L. Siegel with the first Ladies of Honor Award May 10. Dr. Siegel was the first female president in the University System of Georgia, serving in that position for 25 years and making her the longest serving female president of a state university in the United States.  Read press release >>  Calendar Items United States Senate Youth Program The 51st annual United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) will be held in Washington, DC from March 9-16, 2013. One hundred and four student delegates will follow an intensive schedule during that week while they learn about the interrelationship between the three branches of government, American history and the importance of public service.  The Hearst Foundations will pay all expenses for Washington Week, including transportation, hotel and meals. Learn more about this fantastic opportunity >> ASCD Seeks Outstanding Young Educators for Recognition and $10,000 Award Now is the time to nominate someone for the ASCD’s Outstanding Young Educator Award Program. This award recognizes creative and committed teachers and administrators under the age of 40 who demonstrate excellence in educating the whole child. Deadline for nominations is August 1. Learn more >>
Recommended Blogs From CEP What Graduates Really Need to Know Posted by Zoe Weil From EdWeek Some Great Ideas for Summer Reading From Edutopia Fostering Relationships in the Classroom Posted by Larry Ferlazzo Engaging Students with Social and Emotional Learning Posted by Maurice Elias	Follow us on: