Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org shares, “Each of these schools and school districts have put in place a comprehensive approach to help their students understand, care about, and consistently practice the core values that will enable them to flourish in school, in relationships, in the workplace, and as citizens.” “These schools and school districts serve as an exemplary model for all schools and districts across the nation,” adds Lori Soifer, who directs the Schools of Character program. “The educators at these schools are inspiring their students to treat all people with respect and dignity. They are teaching their students to be honest and trustworthy, to contribute their time and talents to the common good, and when necessary, to show the courage to stand up for what is right.”
AHISD CHARACTER EDUCATION At the C e of Our Values, Our Curriculum
Character is built through opportunities of intentional practice. AHISD believes that character develops in more than a “teachable moment” that it must be built in all aspects of education, by all staff, all the time. The district began partnering with Character.org in 2016 for the purpose of character development for our schools, parents, and community. We use the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education framework to ensure that our character development efforts are intentional, on-going, and consistently implemented across campuses.
These awards speak to the level of commitment AHISD dedicates to character development for students.
Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org, shares, “These 11 Principles place a comprehensive approach to help students understand, care about, and consistently practice the core values that will enable them to flourish in school, in relationships, in the workplace, and as citizens.”
The district was additionally recognized for its Promising Practices. Promising Practices celebrate the creative approaches schools and organizations have put in place to help children and teens understand, care about, and consistently practice the core values that will enable them to flourish in school, in relationships, in the workplace, and as citizens.
Woodridge Elementary was named a National School of Character by Character. org in 2020, soon after they were honored at the state level as a State School of Character. Howard Early Childhood Center and Cambridge Elementary were named state and national Schools of Character in 2019.
In 2020, Character.org certified 264 Promising Practices in schools and organizations across the country that foster character development in our children and teens. AHISD earned recognition for the following:
National certification is the highest level of distinction bestowed by Character.org. Schools receiving this designation have demonstrated excellence in establishing a school culture that exemplifies and brings to life The 11 Principles Framework .
LES PRINCIP THE 11 om s. otes core value
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Principle 1: Pr include th es “character” to Principle 2: Defin proach. ap ive a comprehens Principle 3: Uses ity. un mm co tes a caring ral action. Principle 4: Crea portunities for mo op th wi s nt de stu s culum. ide ov g academic curri Principle 5: Pr ful and challengin ing an me a s er Principle 6: Off motivation. rs students’ self. Principle 7: Foste llaborative learning s staff through co Principle 8: Unite ip. rs shared leadersh s as partners. Principle 9: Foste mmunity member co d an s lie mi fa s ge ga En hool. Principle 10: d climate of the sc es the culture an ss se As 11: e ipl Princ
AHISD Scho ol Views Summer 2 0 2 0
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Howard ECC-A Year of Character Education
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Cambridge Elementary-Core Value Reflection Stations
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Cambridge Elementary-Core Value Breakout Sessions
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Woodridge Elementary-National School of Character
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Alamo Heights Junior School-Unified Champions Program
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Alamo Heights High School-Philanthropic Theater
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Alamo Heights High School-The Jo-Zilla Project
The schools have been invited to showcase their Promising Practice at the national forum in Washington D.C in early March 2021.
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