Keep It Simple, Make It Real: Character Development in Grades 6-12

by Jan Olsson (Editor)

Overview

"This exceptionally well-organized, practical, and impressive work should be on every administrator′s and character educator′s desk. Olsson redefines the lens through which educators view the factors that impact school climate, teacher-student relationships, student behavior, and ultimately the character development of young people."
—Edward DeRoche, Director
Character Development Center, University of San Diego

"Needed in the character education movement for a long time, this book is written by a principal who′s been leading the way and now shows how we can help students develop their character without sacrificing academic standards. It′s easy to read, well organized, and, most important, contains hundreds of practical strategies that work."
—Hal Urban, Teacher and Speaker, Redwood City, CA
Author, Lessons From The Classroom

A powerful tool for influencing students′ attitudes and behaviors!

Based on current research, solid theory, and real experiences, this resource provides school leaders with a comprehensive yet practical framework for creating and sustaining a schoolwide character development program. Real-world scenarios tackle tough issues such as vandalism, truancy, chronic tardiness, and bullying, and demonstrate how to bring about positive change. The book thoughtfully addresses factors that may keep students from developing positive attitudes and helps educators:

• Evaluate student behavior, staff morale, and school climate
• Target real problems with commonsense strategies that can dramatically turn around student behavior
• Assess a character development program′s effectiveness

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781452273099
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	05/27/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Jan Olsson has been an elementary and secondary teacher, a high school department head in physical and health education and student services, a vice-principal, and for the past two years was chairperson of the Trillium Lakelands District school board’s character development committee. Currently, he is principal of Huntsville High School and co-chair of Schools That Shine with Character, a national character education conference organized by Huntsville High School.

Olsson completed his master′s of character education at the University of San Diego. He is also a professional musician, a basketball coach of 25 years, and enjoys speaking on topics related to character education. Olsson is specifically interested in school-based administration and interpersonal relationships, and the impact that modeling character development can have on creating a positive school climate. Keep It Simple, Make It Real: Character Development in Grades 6-12 is his first book.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Philip Fitch Vincent
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
1. Living, Learning, and Leading in Harmony: Character Development in Middle and Secondary Schools
Current Perspectives on Character Development
Introduction
Current Perspectives on Character Development
Academic Achievement and Students′ Beliefs, Attitudes, and Behaviors
Keept It Simple, Make It Real
A Character Development Framework for Schools
Some Final Thoughts
Quotes
2. Safe and Inviting Physical Environment: Physical Environments That Change Behavior
Aspects of the Physical Environment That Impact On Achievement and Character Development
Aspects of the Physical Environment Affecting Health
Aspects of the Environment Affecting Safety
Aspects of the Physical Environment Affecting Physiological Needs
Aspects of the Physical Environment Affecting Morale
Some Final Thoughts
Quotes
3. Modeling Good Character: The Role of Principals and Teachers
Introduction
Modeling the Three Es
The First E: The Power of Experience
The Second E: The Power of Exchange
The Third E: The Power of Empowerment
Some Final Thoughts
Quotes
4. Establishing Rules and Procedures for Civility: Creating a Positive School and Classroom Environment
Introduction
The Need for Discipline in Establishing a Positive School Climate
Progressive Discipline
Positive Behavioral Interventions, Supports, and Consequences
Some Final Thoughts
Quotes
5. Making Curricular Connections: Teaching Opportunities That Connect Student Learning to Character Development
Introduction
Curriculum Priorities in Character Development
The R.I.T.E. of Curriculum Passage
Curricular and Cocurricular Opportunities That Connect Student Learning to Character Development
Some Final Thoughts
Quotes
6. Assessing Character Development
Introduction
Monitoring Character Development
Creating the Assessment Tool
Some Final Thoughts
Quotes
Resource A: Sample Character Development Framework for Schools: Trillium Lakelands District School Board
Resource B: Sample Assessment and Evaluation Tools for the Character Development Framework for Schools
Resource C: Sample Strategic Plan for Schoolwide Character Development
Resource D: Sample Lesson Plans
Resource E: Sample Assessment and Evaluation Poster Embedding Character Development
Resource F: Sample Code of Behavior
References

Editorial Reviews

"This is a book that's been needed in the character education movement for a long time, one written by a principal who's been leading the way. Jan Olsson lives up to his title by keeping it simple and by keeping it real while showing us how we can help junior high and high school students develop their character without sacrificing academic standards. It's easy to read, well organized, and, most important, contains hundreds of practical strategies that work. "

Hal Urban

Jan Olsson uses his experience as a teacher and administrator to offer educators and community leaders a must-read, what-works-and-what-doesn’t book on character development in schools. This exceptionally well-organized, practical, and very impressive work should be on every administrator’s and character educator’s desk. Olsson redefines the lens through which educators view the factors that impact school climate, teacher-student relationships, student behavior, and ultimately the character development of young people.

Edward De Roche

"Nuts-and-bolts advice supported by real-life examples makes Jan Olsson’s how-to manual an invaluable tool for school leaders. There are gems of wisdom here you won’t find in other character education guides. "

Tom Lickona

“Jan Olsson uses his experience as a teacher and administrator to offer educators and community leaders a must-read, what-works-and-what-doesn’t book on character development in schools. This exceptionally well-organized, practical, and very impressive work should be on every administrator’s and character educator’s desk. Olsson redefines the lens through which educators view the factors that impact school climate, teacher-student relationships, student behavior, and ultimately the character development of young people.”

Edward DeRoche