Discovering the Real Me: Character Education

Youth leaders from the Richard England Clubhouse of the Boys and Girls Club of Washington, D.C. explored what Martin Luther King, Jr. meant by “being judged by the content of our character and not the color of our skin” at a “train the trainer” session held on December 17th.

Los Angeles, USA - The Los Angeles Times (8/26, Rivera) reported on St. Genevieve High School, which "has gained a reputation as one of the most innovative high schools in Los Angeles." The school provides "classes in Mandarin, overseas trips to China and France," and "fitness instruction that includes salsa and tai chi." It also has a policy of closing "for a week each year for a teachers retreat to discuss educational goals," and "to foster cooperation and trust."

What follows is my report on the Summer Institute for Character Education at the State University of New York in Cortland June 30 to July 2, 2008. I highlight the key points of each session as I understand and remember them. I also include a book list and a brief reflection.

The theme and title of the National Convocation of the American Clergy Leadership Conference, held in Chicago from May 29-31, was “ Rebuild the Family, Restore the Community, Renew the Nation and the World.” Character education was introduced as an innovative way to address these concerns. Well-attended, the closing banquet and awards ceremony brought together over 400 local ministers.