Character Development

Here are some sources for use in developing Character assessments

Character Development Definitions

John Templeton: A popular definition of character is "what we do when no one is looking."


Mark Twain: "In matters of opinion, swim with the fish; but in matters of principles, stand firm like a rock."


Random House Dictionary:
•The aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of a person or thing;
•Moral or ethical quality;
•Qualities of honesty, fortitude, etc.; integrity;
•Reputation: a stain on one's character;
•An account of a person's qualities, abilities, etc.;


University of Illinois: Character education is the development of knowledge, skills, and abilities that enable the learner to make informed and responsible choices. It involves a shared educational commitment that emphasizes the responsibilities and rewards of productive living in a global a diverse society.


Character Education Partnership: "Character education" is an umbrella term used to describe many aspects of teaching and learning for personal development. Some areas under this umbrella are "moral reasoning/cognitive development"; "social and emotional learning"; "moral education/virtue"; "life skills education"; "caring community"; "health education"; "violence prevention"; "conflict resolution/peer mediation" and "ethic/moral philosophy". As indicated by the variety of terms associated with it, character education is broad in scope and difficult to define precisely.


Character Education Partnership: Character development is a holistic approach that connects the moral dimension of education to the social and civic realms of students' lives. Basic attitudes and values of the society are identified and reinforced in the school and community. Those who say schools do not reinforce social values have failed to examine the underpinnings of the educational system and its expectations. Education is value-laden, as the society determines what will or will not be modeled. Morals are "caught, not taught," and "classroom life is saturated with moral meaning that shapes students' character and moral development" (Ryan 1996).


Character Counts-Chaves County: The pillars are: FAIRNESS, CARING, CITIZENSHIP, RESPONSIBILITY, TRUSTWORTHINESS, and RESPECT. We believe that human behavior can be guided by these six concepts. While more words or "pillars" could be chosen, the intent is to be concise.


Standards


California Standards on Character Development: http://www.cde.ca.gov/character/criteria.html


New York law on Character- §801-a: Instruction in civility, citizenship and character education. The regents shall ensure that the course of instruction in grades kindergarten through twelve includes a component on civility, citizenship and character education. Such a component shall instruct students on the principles of honesty, tolerance, personal responsibility, respect for others, observance of laws and rules, courtesy, dignity and other traits which will enhance the quality of their experiences in, and contributions to, the community. The regents shall determine how to incorporate such component in existing curricula and the commissioner shall promulgate any regulations needed to carry out such determination of the regents."


State Social Studies Standard 5, Civics, Citizenship, and Government, focuses on basic civic values such as justice, honesty, self-discipline, due process, equality, majority rule with respect for minority rights, and respect for self, others, and property. This standard also emphasizes the important rights, roles, and responsibilities of citizenship, including ways that citizens can participate in our constitutional democracy


Learning Standard 2 for health, physical education and family and consumer sciences, A Safe and healthy environment, calls for students to demonstrate personally and socially responsible behavior, to care for and respect themselves and others, to recognize threats to the environment and to demonstrate responsible personal and social behavior while engaged in physical activity.


State of Kentucky KRS 156-158 Standards: # 3: Become self-sufficient individuals of good character exhibiting the qualities of altruism: citizenship, courtesy, honesty, human worth, justice, knowledge, respect, responsibility, and self-discipline.