“Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.” – Kenyan Proverb

The federal No Child Left Behind law of 2002 rates schools based on how students perform on state standardized tests, and if too many children score poorly, the school is judged as failing. But how much is really the school s fault? A new study by the Educational Testing Service which develops and administers more… Read more »

1. Don’t be afraid to speak their language. Try using strange words and phrases like, “I’ll help wash the dishes,” “thank you,” and “please.” 2. Try to understand their music. Play Glenn Miller records on the stereo and accustom yourself to the strange sound. 3. Encourage them to talk about their problems. Try to keep… Read more »

1. Students write and publish their own books of good manners. These books emphasize values, respect for others, and integrity in addition to proper behavior in different social situations. The books might be called, “Manners for Grade ___ Students,” “Manners is our Favorite Subject,” or “We Love Good Manners.” 2. Each student completes a few… Read more »

Love without Truth is too soft, Truth without Love is too hard! – Lee Strobel

Values in Action! Students in the Values in Action Character Education Program memorize the following affirmations: RESPECT – I recognize the importance of being a person who initiates respect toward others. I will show consideration for the ideas, feelings, and unique needs of others. INTEGRITY – I don’t have to cheat to win. I am… Read more »

My youngest son is severely handicapped by Autism. His speech is limited. He cannot relate well to other people. Learning is difficult for him. The smallest problems can seem like the end of the world to him emotionally. Tiny changes frustrate and upset him greatly. His life is limited in many ways. Still, when he… Read more »

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us!” – Helen Keller

Establish a variety of Responsibility Clubs in your classroom by identifying students who can contribute help to others. When a child asks for assistance the teacher reminds the children that they can get help from 3 other students before they ask the teacher for help. The rule is Three Before Me! The teacher holds up… Read more »

In Cindi Baker’s social studies class at Davis Drive Middle School, students research the lives of famous North Carolinians and study their accomplishments. But just as important, Baker says, her students in the Cary school learn about the strength of character behind those achievements: the perseverance that propelled Michael Jordan to the top of the… Read more »