{"id":16346,"date":"2018-06-12T05:11:34","date_gmt":"2018-06-12T05:11:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/exchange.character.org\/?page_id=16346"},"modified":"2021-09-23T20:52:07","modified_gmt":"2021-09-23T20:52:07","slug":"p11-1","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/exchange.character.org\/p11-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Module 11.1"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Core values are reviewed and
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All stakeholders have been surveyed about the effectiveness of the core values.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Core values are aligned with daily activities, discipline, code of conduct interactions, events, etc.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n
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Core values are communicated with everyone, (students, staff, parents, secretaries, custodians, paraprofessionals, aides, substitutes etc.) including a process for new stakeholders to help sustain the character initiative.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Schools have created a touchstone, mantra, creed or other way of embedding the core values.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n
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When core values are created, implemented and sustained with time and integrity, they really are the core of the school. Too often school staff do not spend the time discussing what is central, or core to individuals. Teachers seldom feel they have time for the \u201cwarm and fuzzy\u201d, but honest self-reflection and sharing is more than warm and fuzzy; it is the solid foundation on which character education can be built. When people share who they are and why, it requires strength, vulnerability and honesty; this is where trust (that is essential for character growth) begins. When a select few decide the school\u2019s values they are no more than words. Ironically, the words some administrators mandate are often similar to the values other schools carefully select; but, what is important is to know the process of identifying the core values is more important than the end product.<\/b><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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It is tempting for successful schools to neglect the importance of re-visiting the core values on a regular basis, but considering the continuous changes in staff and student population, it is essential to maintaining the integrity of the core values. New students and staff should be educated about character education, core values and character goals. New staff should be assigned mentors and new students should have opportunities to learn about character education in various transition activities.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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All stakeholders should have an opportunity to reflect on the school\u2019s core values at least once a year. Students should be interviewed about how core values are tied into discipline, classroom routines, instruction and extracurricular activities. Staff should discuss if they believe the core values still define the school and are aligned with the mission and vision. Parents should convey their perception of the effectiveness of the school\u2019s initiative and if the school\u2019s values mirror home values.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Schools often create touchstones, mantras, creeds or pledges to help stakeholders remember what is important Discussing these is just as important as reciting them. Take time to break these reminders down and assess if what they say still accurately describes members of the school community.<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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School Examples<\/h2>\n