Educators' Perceptions of Character Education [electronic resource] / Lelon Davidson and Laura C. Stokes.
In 1995, Alabama joined many other states in passing mandatory character education as a response to violence in schools. Although the "Virtue of the Week" program had been implemented in Alabama schools for several years, little evaluation has been done to measure its effectiveness. In spr...
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| Format: | Electronic eBook |
| Language: | English |
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2001.
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| Summary: | In 1995, Alabama joined many other states in passing mandatory character education as a response to violence in schools. Although the "Virtue of the Week" program had been implemented in Alabama schools for several years, little evaluation has been done to measure its effectiveness. In spring 2001, a study was carried out to analyze the effectiveness of character education based on the perceptions of Alabama public school administrators and teachers. Questions asked included: Did character education decrease discipline problems? Did it decrease sexual harassment? Did it result in better behaved students? Is it effective? A total of 249 practitioners participated in the study. Surveys asked for descriptive data and statements about character education. Likert-scale responses were analyzed statistically. Finding show that educators are supportive of character education. They feel it is needed in the schools and it results in improved behavior, fewer discipline problems, and less violence and sexual harassment. Their perceptions are that students are better citizens because of character education. They also believe it is an effective program in their schools. Both administrators and teachers felt the curriculum was adequate, lessons were relevant, and teachers were dedicated to teaching character education. Highlights of the Character Education Act are attached. (RT) |
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| Item Description: | ERIC Document Number: ED461923. ERIC Note: Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Mid-South Educational Research Association (30th, Little Rock, AR, November 14-16, 2001). |
| Physical Description: | 11 pages. |