Character Education Month Resolution

WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the California State Board of Education believe that all students enrolled in the California Public Schools have the right to a comprehensive curriculum that promotes a common core of personal and social values as the basis of good character;

WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the California State Board believe that America’s heritage and laws reflect a common core of personal and social values that holds the citizens of this democracy responsible for acting morally and ethically, being actively involved in school and community, resolving differences peacefully, and respecting the rights, dignity and property of others;

WHEREAS, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the California State Board believe that the character of our state is only as strong as the character of each individual citizen;

WHEREAS, although character development is, first and foremost, an obligation of families, the efforts of faith communities, schools, youth, and civic and human services organizations also play a very significant role in supporting families to foster and promote good character;

WHEREAS, state law calls upon educators to impress upon students the principles of morality, truth, justice, patriotism, and a true comprehension of the rights, duties, and dignity of American citizenship, and the meaning of equality and human dignity, all of which result in awakening students to the moral and ethical virtues that build a fundamental strength of character; and

WHEREAS, an effective character education program requires an intentional, proactive, consistent, and comprehensive approach that promotes a common core of personal and social values in all phases of school life, a core that includes trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship, civic virtue, honesty, and personal responsibility; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the California State Board of Education join in proclaiming and observing the month of October 2007, as Character Education Month and be it further

RESOLVED, that throughout the year, the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the California State Board of Education encourage local educational agencies throughout California to promote effective character education programs by taking a proactive and comprehensive approach to promote responsible, ethical, civic minded behavior in all phases of school life.