Keep It Simple, Make It Real : Character Development in Grades 6-12

by Jan Olsson

• ISBN13: 9781412966030
• ISBN10: 1412966035
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-05-27
• Publisher: Corwin Pr

Summary

This resource provides a comprehensive plan for creating and sustaining a school- and classroom-based character development programme while maintaining a unique and consistent focus on "keeping it simple" and "making it real."Unlike many existing models for character development, the book's approach addresses the underlying factors that limit students' interest and//or desire to develop positive attitudes and behaviours. These elements include students' perceptions about their physical, emotional, and intellectual environments, and how those environments are influenced by the relationships with their principals, teachers, and each other.Based on research, best practices, and the author's more than 30 years in education, Keep It Simple, Make It Real: Character Development in Grades 6-12 gives educators a powerful tool for influencing students' attitudes and behaviours.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. vii
Preface	p. xiii
Acknowledgments	p. xvii
About the Author	p. xix
Living, Learning, and Leading in Harmony: Character Development in Middle and Secondary Schools	p. 1
Introduction	p. 1
Current Perspectives on Character Development	p. 3
Academic Achievement and Students' Beliefs, Attitudes, and Behaviors	p. 7
Keep It Simple, Make It Real	p. 9
A Character Development Framework for Schools	p. 15
Some Final Thoughts	p. 17
Quotes	p. 18
Safe and Inviting Physical Environment: Physical Environments That Change Behavior	p. 19
Introduction	p. 19
Aspects of the Physical Environment That Impact Achievement and Character Development	p. 21
Aspects of the Physical Environment Affecting Health	p. 29
Aspects of the Physical Environment Affecting Safety	p. 31
Aspects of the Physical Environment Affecting Physiological Needs	p. 35
Aspects of the Physical Environment Affecting Morale	p. 38
Some Final Thoughts	p. 41
Quotes	p. 41
Modeling Good Character: The Role of Principals and Teachers	p. 43
Introduction	p. 43
Modeling the Three Es	p. 45
The First E: The Power of Experience	p. 46
The Second E: The Power of Exchange	p. 55
The Third E: The Power of Empowerment	p. 64
Some Final Thoughts	p. 71
Quotes	p. 72
Establishing Rules and Procedures for Civility: Creating a Positive School and Classroom Environment	p. 73
Introduction	p. 73
The Need for Discipline in Establishing a Positive School Climate	p. 75
Progressive Discipline	p. 82
Positive Behavioral Interventions, Supports, and Consequences	p. 88
Some Final Thoughts	p. 95
Quotes	p. 95
Making Curricular Connections: Teaching Opportunities That Connect Student Learning to Character Development	p. 97
Introduction	p. 97
Curriculum Priorities in Character Development	p. 98
The RITE of Curriculum Passage	p. 104
Curricular and Cocurricular Opportunities That Connect Student Learning to Character Development	p. 114
Some Final Thoughts	p. 119
Quotes	p. 120
Assessing Character Development	p. 121
Introduction	p. 121
Monitoring Character Development	p. 124
Creating the Assessment Tool	p. 128
Some Final Thoughts	p. 136
Quotes	p. 138
Sample Character Development Framework for Schools: Trillium Lakelands District School Board	p. 139
Sample Assessment and Evaluation Tools for the Character Development Framework for Schools	p. 141
Sample Strategic Plan for Schoolwide Character Development	p. 149
Sample Lesson Plans	p. 155
Sample Assessment and Evaluation Poster Embedding Character Development	p. 163
Sample Code of Behavior	p. 165
References	p. 167
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