Project Wisdom: Character education. Helping students make wiser choices.
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Academic Achievement
Character Education and Project Wisdom
Concerned about justifying the time and resources for character education? Here are two MUST READ articles:
  • "What can schools do?" by Charles C. Haynes and Marvin W. Berkowitz, February 2007, USAToday.com.
    >Read article

    "After the endless headlines involving corrupt politicians, corporate cheats, doped-up sports stars and Internet predators, you might think that the American people would be demanding more character education in schools. Think again. . . . And then we move on to more important things. Test scores, for example."

  • "Character and Academics: What Good Schools Do," by Jacques S. Benninga, Marvin W. Berkowitz, Phyllis Kuehn, and Karen Smith, February 2006 edition of Phi Delta Kappan.
    >Read article

    "Though there has been increasing interest in character education among policy makers and education professionals, many schools hesitate to do anything that might detract from their focus on increasing academic performance. The authors present evidence indicating that this may be misguided."
More Evidence that Character Education Works
> Improves School Climate
> Decreases Discipline Referrals

How Project Wisdom Impacts Academic Achievement

Elementary students

"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

"I learned to work better for my teachers." 4th grader, East Stroudsberg, PA

"The words of wisdom make me try to work better everyday." 1st grader, Chesterfield, SC

"I like Project Wisdom messages because they encourage me to try my hardest all of the time." 3rd grader, Tyler, TX

"Everyday, I think about these messages and how I can improve with what I do everyday." 5th grader, Palisade, CO

"Project Wisdom talked about the word responsibility which includes completing my assignments on time." 4th grader, Colleyville, TX

Middle school students

"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

"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, Arroyo Grande, CA

"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

High school students

"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

"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

"'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
". . . We must integrate character education into the fabric of the curriculum and into extracurricular activities. We must train teachers in Character Education — both pre-service and in-service. And we must consciously set about creating a moral climate within our schools."
Bob Chase, Former President, National Education Association
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