December 2006
December 2006
C.A.R.(2)E.S. NEWSLETTER
(Creating A Respectful and Responsive Educational System)
Dr. Duane Hodgin, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Support Services
Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township
"National School District of Character"
December 8, 2006
(No. 4)
“Moral intelligence is every bit as important as intellect
or emotional intelligence.” -- Robert Coles”
When I present at conferences, I am often asked, “Is there any correlation between student achievement and character education?” Or, “Will character education help to improve test scores?” My usual response is that when students know what is right (based on sound moral principles—Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Trust, Caring, Courage, Perseverance, etc.) are taught what is right (at home and school. Don’t ever discount your power of example) and are expected to do what is right and held accountable (by parents, over which we have no control), and by teachers and administrators, students are more inclined to be responsible for their decisions and behaviors. This results in more self-discipline and initiative which can lead to academic achievement.
While there is little research data to support the above, common sense and observation tell us this is true. Someone once said, “Some things are easy to measure; some things are difficult to measure (such as a person’s ‘moral IQ’); some things we measure aren’t worth measuring, and some things we don’t measure we should measure.
If only it were that simple to “give a test,” (essay, multiple choice, writing, exercise or problem solving activity), then the state and federal government could develop an annual accountability test for students called “AYPOSC” (Annual Yearly Progress of Student Character).
In the meantime, we as educators must continue to fight the good fight. The odds certainly appear to be against us, due to peer pressure, the media influence, materialistic focus, self and instant gratification, sexuality, and rude and lewd behavior in our society. WE CAN AND DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN KIDS’ MORAL DEVELOPMENT! (Just don’t expect to know when and if you have made that difference. Although, you might be surprised.)
THE SAGA OF WILL AND FERN (Gr. 3-12)
This is a good story with a moral message about encouragement, perseverance and hope. Students of all ages can enjoy the story. (Heck, I did as a “62 year old senior citizen.”)
Two frogs named Will and Fern weren’t looking where they were going and fell into a deep pit. At first they thought it would be easy to jump out, but after numerous failed attempts they were getting desperate. A crowd of animals gathered around the pit.
The consensus of the crowd was there was no way either one could jump high enough, so they urged Will and Fern to accept their fate. The harder the trapped fogs jumped, the more the crowd yelled at them to surrender. Finally, Will fell back to the bottom and gave up. Fern refused to quit, and with one mighty last try she leaped out of the pit.
The other animals were amazed. One asked her how she could keep trying despite the discouraging taunts of the crowd. Fern was shocked. “What do you mean? I’m a bit deaf. I thought you were rooting for me! I couldn’t have done it without you.”
There are lots of ways to help others. We can educate them, feed them, and house them. But we can also help to change their lives, if we encourage, empower them and give them hope.
-- Michael Josephson
(What a good reminder and message for the Christmas and holiday season.)
WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR IN HIRING GOOD PEOPLE?
Leadership studies and consultants have debated and offered suggestions to this question for ages. (I even did my doctoral dissertation on this related topic.) Perhaps the most succinct qualities are offered by Warren Buffett, the billionaire philanthropist. Buffett says he only looks for three qualities: (I personally think these are criteria for being a “master teacher.” I would add, being able to build relationships with your students.)
Integrity
Intelligence
Energy
Then he added, “If you don’t have the first one,” the other two will kill you.”
Integrity (strength of character) is neither a convenience nor a mantle to wear. It is a constant habit of striving to take the “moral high ground” no matter the circumstances.
A SPECIAL TIME OF YEAR…RESOLVE TO BE A CANDLE
Throughout the year, there are special days celebrated by the world’s different major religions. In December, Christians and Jewish people from around the world celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah in different ways. We seem to get “hung up” on what is “politically correct” or become concerned about offending someone’s religious sect or practices.
While it is true that the courts say that public schools must remain secular and not actively promote or focus on one religious faith over another, we can be sensitive to and respect other’s faith and religious practices.
All major religions in the world adhere to the same basic moral core values and have their own version of “The Golden Rule.” So, during this special time of year, whether we are Christian, Jew, Muslim or Hindu, let us all resolve to be a candle in a world filled with darkness.
Most of us have been to a religious service or event where one candle is lit and passed along to others creating an illuminating glitter whether it be a few or an entire stadium full of people. Michael Josephson wrote, “In today’s dark world, chilled by so many human shortcomings, we need to abandon any sense of hopelessness or powerlessness and remember the power of that flame as both a source of light and warmth.”
Let us use this season as a reminder to have the resolve to be that one candle who shows compassion through kind words and deeds, not only during the holidays, but each and every day. Although our own candles may at times “flicker” and even be “snuffed out,” be willing to reach out to someone and let them re-light your candle. By doing this, our candles and those of others become a source of light that can help to heal, to encourage, to lift up and to give hope.
“FTTLA” and “WOW” (Funny Things To Laugh About and Words Of Wisdom)
Age 5… I learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing "Silent Night".
Age 7… I learned that our dog doesn't want to eat my broccoli either.
Age 12… I learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up again.
Age 15… I learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me.
Age 26… I learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures.
Age 30… I learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.
Age 40… I learned that you can make someone's day by simply sending them a little note.
Age 50… I learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
Age 60… I learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, work to improve your marriage.
Age 65… I learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
Age 70… I learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision.
Age 80… I learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
Age 90… I learned that I still have a lot to learn.
(My parents are 89 and 90, and I think that they would agree with all of the above and even have a few to add.)
COMING IN JANUARY 2007 – “NEW CHARACTER ROCKS T-SHIRTS!”
60 people can win!
New color
Long sleeves
Unisex sizes M-XXL
Multi-purpose wear (“Special School Days,” exercise, shopping, school athletic and performing arts events) NOTE: Not to be used for painting, gardening or sleepwear!
If you are interested in winning a “2007 Character Rocks T-Shirt,” please do the following:
Email me directly (DO NOT HIT “REPLY”) and type “2007 CRTS,” with your name, size and school.
Indicate if you’ve never won a shirt before by putting (***) in parenthesis.
60 staff members will have their names drawn (30 former winners/30 new winners)
Shirts will be sent to you by the end of January 2007.
NOTE: If you include a “one-line character quote” (original or one you get from somewhere else), it could be selected as the quote on the back of the shirt. The “2006 Character Rocks” quote was, “There is never a wrong time to do the right thing.” (Be sure to list you name, if the quote is original, or person who said it, if you know.) If your quote is selected to be on the T-shirt, you will receive a special “Character Rocks Surprise!”
“If you think about what you can do for other people,
your character will take care of itself.” -- Woodrow Wilson