Character education is the development of knowledge, skills, and abilities that help scholars make informed and responsible choices. Character is derived from a Greek word that means “to mark," as on an engraving. Character education enables students to come face-to-face with the realities of life and have the skill sets to deal with what is presented. Schools see every type of positive and negative home experience walk through the doors and have a role in preparing scholars for the challenges and joys of their lives ahead. The role of schools in partnering and aligning with the families in their care is important not just for academic outcomes but for preparing students for life beyond school.
The Ethos Logos Character Program provides instructional materials, methods, and strategies, that have been crafted into interdisciplinary curricular themes. These themes empower teachers to create meaning while allowing students time for purposeful exploration and self-reflection. Character development provides a foundation upon which we can build respect for human dignity and create twenty-first-century schools that will empower students to achieve excellence.
Simply put, the goal of a character education program is treating others the way you want to be treated. Character development educates both hearts and minds. The social, emotional, and ethical nurturing of young people is as important as their academic achievement (Marzano, Robert, et al. Classroom Instruction That Works: Research-Based Strategies for Increasing Student Achievement. Alexandria: ASCD, 2001).