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Character Development Programs
Character Development Programs are curriculums that teach students how to regulate their feelings, thoughts, and actions into pro-social behaviors. Schools should consider using them because it enables children to learn and practice core ethical values. Schools that use them report higher academic achievement and attendance, with a reduction in violence, disciplinary issues, substance abuse, and vandalism. Schools can consider using them by incorporating them into their PBIS initiative. It starts with establishing expectations, sharing leadership, instilling consistency throughout the building, utilizing positive relationships, integrating it into a daily routine, and remaining flexible.
Title | Description | Link | Costs |
Leader in Me | Use the link to discover evidence-based solutions that “Leader in me” has provided for K-8th, high school, the district, and families. | Cost varies depending on the number of staff and students. It starts at $40-$50 per student and, after three years, reduces to $14-$19 per student. | |
Capturing Kids' Hearts | This program is K-12. It offers experiential training, SEL curriculum, and staff PD/ coaching. Their goal is to help schools create a safe and welcoming culture by developing leadership in students and staff. Additional training is available to support administrators through the implementation year and train staff as trainers for the program's sustainability beyond year one staff training. | Initial training is a two-day training that can be in person or virtual. Cost ranges from $500-$850 per person depending on how many teachers participate (up to 50 for in-person training). ECESC can offer training for multiple schools through the Service Center, or a school can bring CKH to its school to train its staff (up to 50 participants per day). | |
Character Counts | Free research-based lesson plans & workshops for all ages. Trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship are the six pillars of character, and learning, self-discipline, diligence, positivity, perseverance, and resilience are the six success skills that they provide PD workshops on. | Prices vary. Visit the store in the top right corner of the website to find more information. | |
Growing Leaders - Ready for Real Life | This is a comprehensive digital course. Use this program to help students build strong character rooted in integrity and emotional security. | https://growingleaders.com/store/habitudes-self-leadership-art-leading-leaders-kit-values-based/ | $499 *Free sample |
Good Character | K-12 research-based teaching guides with video and series are available to buy. | Free teaching guides are available for use. *Supplemental videos and video series available to purchase from Live Wire Media. | |
Thrivers - Book | Learn more about Dr. Michele Borba- Her Books Thrivers & Unselfie provides information about character education for kids in grades K-12. | $20 | |
The Virtues Project | A global initiative that emphasizes the practice of virtues through five strategies. This program offers research-based guides for early childhood up to college students. | Posters, books, guides, and reflection cards are available to purchase. Cost ranges from $10-$50 depending on which resources you choose to utilize. *Free workshop *Free “52 virtues” classroom poster | |
Kids for Peace | Action-based global nonprofit organization that creates PEACE through youth leadership, community service, global friendships, and thoughtful acts of kindness. This organization offers a chapter program and is available for grades K-12. | Free pledges, programs, and challenges. *Books, materials, and header for sale range from $4 to $75. | |
Kind Spring Small Acts That Change the World | This website offers ideas for implementing small acts of kindness to various people in all areas of life. Fosters the use of “smile cards." | Free *Ideas are available that are categorized into “under five dollars” and “over five bucks.” | |
Because I Said I Would | A nonprofit and social movement that offers evidence-based programs to foster the betterment of humanity through promises. Through a chapter program, this program creates partnerships with schools, communities, juvenile detention centers, and prisons. | Store available for promised apparel and supplies. Free videos for lesson plans are available. A form is needed to request a speaker, start a chapter, and request all lesson plans. | |
Live Wire Media | K-12 research-based lesson plan series about character education that is available to purchase. | https://www.livewiremedia.com/product-category/character-education/ | Lesson Plan Costs: -Preschool- $235 -Elementary School- $60-$800 -Middle School- $100-$750 -High School- $100-$935 |
Positive Action | This resource is based on the philosophy of the Thoughts-Actions-Feelings Circle, which emphasizes these actions to promote a healthy and positive cycle. Articles used for the evidence-based research: | 2-3 free sample lessons for each grade ranging from grades K-12 in English & Spanish. | |
Character Tree | K-2 evidence-based curriculum that is based on the concept of subscriptions. | 30-day free trials are available for use. Subscriptions: - $1.64/Per Episode - 1 Year Subscription: $59 - Classroom Citizenship Subscription: $20 -Gift Subscription: $59 | |
Character First Education | K-12 research-based curriculum that is the world’s largest character-based educational program for schools and families. They aim to provide fun, engaging, positive, practical, and research-based lessons to help students build the character and competence needed for success. This program includes speakers, the Embark Leadership program, and the Engage Bullying Prevention curriculum. | *Free samples available Intermediate Curriculum- $100 Intermediate Curriculum/Annual School Licensing: including up to 10 teachers- $395 Elementary Curriculum/Digital Download/Annual School Licensing: including all 30 character traits for up to 10 teachers- $599 Elementary Curriculum/Digital Download: including all 30 character traits- $284.71 *other materials and curriculums available for purchase | |
Giraffe Project | This nonprofit honors compassionate risk-takers around the world. They offer a K-12 “civic engagement” service-learning curriculum, speakers for events, coaching tips, stories of courageous compassion, links to outside resources, as well as resources and merchandise you can purchase. | Free downloads are available in multiple languages. | |
The Character Effect | Evidence-based K-12 SEL curriculum that incorporates teacher self-care and professional development, teacher coaching, family engagement strategy, flexible SEL online curriculum, and PBIS. | Free demo with completed contact form. Must fill out a form to gain information about and discuss program implementation. |