Implementing New or Revised Programs or Practices
If Guidepost #4 deals with firmly imbedding the philosophical base for building character and getting all to agree, Guidepost #5 represents putting those practices into action. All the strategies mentioned in Guidepost #4 can be utilized in establishing a solid program.
In focus groups of teachers, the single impediment mentioned most frequently as a deterrent to successful implementation of character education is TIME. Administrators and boards intent on changing school culture must provide the resources, via release time and funding, to enable the faculty to do an effective job.
At this point, it is important to remember that you can find excellent resources for building and sustaining an effective character education program by further exploration of this website. Best Practices gives you a potpourri of award-winning strategies that have already been tested in schools, the Lesson Plans section provides you with excellent plans that can be adapted to your needs, Professional Development furnishes opportunities for your staff, and the Research and Resources section lists important studies in the field as well as sources that you can use in developing your initiatives.
If part of your plan involves implementing an evidence-based program (such as those required for the use of Safe and Drug Free Schools (Title IV) funds, be aware that your plan should support implementation of the program with as much fidelity to the original model as possible, or you can not expect to have the same positive results.
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