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Concerned about justifying the time and resources
for character education? Here are three MUST READ articles:
"America's
Crisis of Character - And What to Do About It," by
Sanford N. McDonnell, as first appeared in Education Week,
October 8, 2008. Reprinted with permission from the author.
"What can schools do?" by Charles C. Haynes
and Marvin W. Berkowitz, February 2007, USAToday.com at the California
State University, Long Beach, and Adjunct Professor at the University
of Houston.
What
Educators and Students are Saying About Academic Performance
"I love the program ... The character values it instills have
definitely made a positive impact on my campus, and as a result,
we are experiencing higher test scores. Just last year we raised
our API by 36 points, due, in part, to the consistent implementation
of the Project Wisdom program." Cynthia M. Goodwin, Elementary
Principal, Modesto, CA
"Project Wisdom has really changed my school life, academically
and socially. Last year I was struggling and could not seem
to pull my educational weight. I could not seem to help myself from
getting into some kind of conflict, physically, mentally, and/or
verbally. This year Project Wisdom has really changed me. I am more
open, I speak to people, and I make better grades. I can
truthfully say that Project Wisdom is part of why I am adjusting
well in school this year." 8th-grader
"I put more effort into my homework and I am able to
see the results of that in the classroom." 4th-grader, Battle
Ground, IN
"Our alternative education students, about 10 children, have
seen significant and consistent raising of their academic scores."
Jeff Wright, Middle School Principal, Jenks, OK
"Words of Wisdom helps when I am depressed or think that
I am going to fail a test. I remember, 'Don't give up. No matter
what situation you are in, always try and you will succeed.' That
is why the Words of Wisdom relate to me and help me in school."
6th-grader, Spring Hill, KS
"Overall students have a better attitude toward school and
enjoy being here. Academics obviously follow." Michael
Catrillo, Elementary Principal, East Stroudsburg, PA
"The Project Wisdom commentary positively changes my outlook.
An optimistic outlook helps me to make better grades by believing
in myself." 8th-grader, Trenton, GA
"At least some kids thought about the messages, and I choose
to put more effort into learning what our teacher teaches."
5th-grader, Palisade, CO
"This program provides excellent character education from many
cultural perspectives, which makes it academically beneficial
as well." Chris Love-Fortenbery, GT Coordinator, Murray,
KY
"Project Wisdom talked about the word responsibility which
includes completing my assignments on time." 4th-grader,
Colleyville, TX
"By listening to the Words of Wisdom, I get this 'I can do
anything if I try' attitude. I have pushed myself to work harder
in my weaker subjects than I usually do, and I have made better
grades." 11th-grader, Jacksonville, AR
"Every day, I think about these messages and how I can improve
with what I do every day." 5th-grader, Palisade, CO
"...many of our students are more inclined to think before
acting. This has not always been the case. They recognize that
there are higher expectations for behavior and performance both
in and outside the classroom. These higher expectations are
communicated through our Project Wisdom messages." Clinton
H. Giles, High School Principal, Charleston, WV
"I learned to work better for my teachers." 4th-grader,
East Stroudsberg, PA
"Listening to these quotes and stories inspire me. The words
actually make me think. I went from the low grades to making
the Honor Roll." 8th-grader, Belleville, IL
"Project Wisdom gives a daily message that incorporates
basic needs, character and academic, into a single message."
Anita M. Townsley, Counselor, Tama, IA
"These words influence me to do better at school. Before
I ever heard the Words of Wisdom, I would put myself down for being
a failure, but Project Wisdom helped me realize that everyone fails
at some point in their life." 12th-grader, Blairsville, PA
"One month ago, I transferred schools. Project Wisdom has made
it easier. When I was at my other school I wasn't trying as hard,
but since listening to Words of Wisdom it has challenged me to
work harder." 6th-grader, Arryo Grande, CA
"Project Wisdom has become very important to me because it
has helped our students increase their vocabulary and their knowledge
because of all the quotes from famous and sometimes unknown authors."
Gloria Avila, Assistant Principal, Laredo, TX
"I like Project Wisdom messages because they encourage me
to try my hardest all of the time." 3rd-grader, Tyler,
TX
"Words of Wisdom has changed my life in a number of ways. .
. I pay more attention to my class work. Actually, my grades
are improving tremendously." 11th-grader, Lake Charles,
LA
"The Words of Wisdom make me try to work better every day."
1st-grader, Chesterfield, SC
"We love the program! The students gain confidence reading
the messages to their peers. It interfaces with the social work
curriculum and meets the social/emotional development standards
of our state." Dr. Janice Limperis, Elementary Principal,
Riverside, IL
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