- Register now for the National Forum on Character Education
- Tips on helping kids get along from a 2012 NSOC finalist
- Promising Practices for preventing peer cruelty
- Resources you can use in the classroom
NATIONAL FORUM
Register Now for CEP's National Forum
By Becky Sipos
Communications Director
Excitement is building as the 19th National Forum on Character approaches on Nov.1. We hope you will join us. Those registering this month will be able to sign up for one of four free in-depth workshops. Other enriching Forum features include:
Four compelling keynote speakers, including noted writer and editor Paul Tough
Over 70 breakout sessions on subjects like bullying prevention and service-learning
Fun and enriching tours of Washington, DC's greatest landmarks
Solution-oriented hot topic discussions that will tackle topics like, “How Do We Develop Leaders of Integrity?” and “How Does Character Education Connect to the Common Core?”
Forum attendees can even earn graduate credit through the University of San Diego.
Learn more about the conference here.
NSOC
2013 National and State Schools of Character Application Open
CEP's Schools of Character program is a free school improvement process that offers an opportunity for self-assessment, expert feedback and possible recognition to schools and districts engaged in character education.
While the Schools of Character program is prestigious, it is non-competitive. All applicants that demonstrate excellence will be recognized as State and/or National Schools of Character. Applications must be submitted online by Dec 3, 2012. For more information, click this link.
PROMISING PRACTICES
Solutions to Peer Cruelty
By Lisa Greeves
Promising Practices Manager
Now that school has been back in session for several weeks, we often have a clearer vision of where bullying may or may not be occurring in our school community. New ideas on the anti-bullying front include suggestions for all levels of students:
The Monthly Student-Led Bully Prevention Lunch at Alton Middle School in Alton, Illinois showcases sixth grade students who participate monthly in interactive discussions or activities regarding ways to prevent bullying and how to promote a safe and welcoming environment in school. Read more >>
RESOURCES YOU CAN USE
The Medal of Honor Foundation's Character Development Program
This Character Development Program isdesigned by teachers for teachers to help students explore the values embodied in the Medal of Honor and how six pillars of character can be exemplified in daily life. They are: Courage, Commitment, Integrity, Citizenship, Sacrifice and Patriotism. The goal of the CDP collection of lesson plans is to prompt students to think of others before themselves and to make good choices every day.
What Kind of Government Do You Want?
Just in time for the election season, the Washington Post's NIE Program offers this lesson plan on the 2012 presidential election. The NIE program provides a curriculum for civics, social studies, journalism, history and more. The Washington Post's program is only available to DC-area schools but check out other NIE programs in your area. | PRESIDENT'S COLUMN
Off We Go!
By Mark Hyatt
President and CEO
Exciting times for CEP! On Aug 27, we officially entered our 20th year of operation. To mark this milestone and further honor the enduring legacy of our late founder, Sanford McDonnell, we have expanded our mission and vision now to include families and communities, everywhere!
When I arrived at CEP last January, I found a nonprofit blessed with deeply motivated and passionate staff, members and board. But having just spent the previous decade in the role of K-12 schools superintendent, I also knew that educators can only do so much on their own to build and strengthen the character of our young people. Read more >>
NATIONAL FORUM
Recruiting Focus Group Participants
We want to hear from you. While we're gathered in DC, we'd like to offer free breakfast on Sunday morning to anyone who wants to share their thoughts during 30-minute gatherings. Your ideas are key to how we move CEP forward! To volunteer, e-mail jesse@globalsevenagency.com.
NSOC
Help Kids Practice the Art of Getting Along Gracefully
By Eileen Dachnowicz
“It makes you feel a little bit more courageous and makes you want to stand up for someone else and not be a bystander.” —Mikie
“If I’m in a situation with a bully, it makes it better knowing some of the character education skills.” —Isabella
Isabella and Mikie may not be recognized as experts in the conflict resolution field, but they certainly are pros in
understanding ways to ward off a bully. It is obvious that these fifth graders have learned their anti-bullying lessons well at Richard Stockton Elementary School (grades K–5) in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Read more >>
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Get Ready, Get Set, GO for October Webinars
By Barbara Luther
Director of Professional Development
As part of our ongoing professional development opportunities for educators and involved citizens everywhere, CEP has scheduled two webinars for the month of October!
Promoting Academic Engagement through Social and Emotional Learning – with Kathy Beland, Executive Director, School-Connect Oct 11
The Top Ten Reasons Why Character Education is Essential for All Kids in All Schools – with Dr. Eileen Santiago, Principal (Ret.) Thomas Edison Elementary School Oct 25
Register for five webinars at the price of four! For more information visit our website.
ADVOCACY
Updates from the Nation's Capital
By Sora Wondra
CEP is currently performing research on character education legislation in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Some states specifically mandate character education, others encourage it, and still other states may support character education initiatives without directly referring to it in legislative documents. This research was collected several years ago, but as issues of school climate and anti-bullying have influenced recent education legislation, it is necessary to investigate legislation enacted over the past couple years. Read more >>
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