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Character Education in Pennsylvania – New Legislation

On July 4th, 2004 Governor Rendell signed into law, as Act 70 amendments, to the Public School Code, legislation written by Congresswoman Allyson Y. Schwartz, that encourages the establishment of character education programs for all Pennsylvania schools.

In a letter to schools, Allyson Schwartz wrote that, “The experience of many school districts has shown that integration of character education into their curriculum can have a substantial positive impact on the learning environment at a school. Children who are not distracted by disruptive behavior, by fear of bullying or by disrespectful conduct achieve significantly better grades and are happier and more productive.”

The legislation does not mandate the institution of character education. But, it is a strong endorsement of the importance of character education, and it should serve as an encouragement for schools to develop or expand their character education programming.

Some of the recommendations for schools include;

1. Develop programs that include the following basic values and character traits of; Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.
2. Create a character education advisory board with representatives from a wide range of the community; parents, teachers, administrators, community members and students.
3. Character education programs may also include and teach the importance of a service ethic and community outreach.

Find the full report at;

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/BT/2003/0/SB0596P1986.HTM

We encourage all schools to read the legislation and then set a path to develop or enhance character education programming for ALL students in the district.