National Schools of Character Program Seeks Applications

Posted by on November 14, 2003

[posted from RFP Bulletin]

National Schools of Character Program Seeks Applications
Deadline: Various

Now in its seventh year, National Schools of Character is an annual awards program recognizing K-12 schools and districts demonstrating outstanding character education initiatives that yield positive results in student behavior, school climate, and academic performance. The program is sponsored by the Character Education Partnership.

Again in 2004, the program will recognize approximately ten public and private schools and school districts (K-12) in the United States as models of effective character education. Although the awardees may differ in method, content, and scope, all must emphasize core ethical values such as honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. CEP encourages schools and districts involved in character education to look at the posted criteria, "Character Education Quality Standards" (<a href="http://www.character.org/resources/standards/">http://www.character.org/resources/standards/</a>), to determine whether they qualify.

To be eligible, schools must have been engaged in character education for a minimum of three full years. Districts need to have been engaged in character education for a minimum of four full years. Smaller administrative units (e.g., a school pyramid or cluster) that maintain a separate identity within a large district may apply in the district category. Selected schools and districts receive a cash award of $2,000, national recognition, and a featured position in CEP’s National Schools of Character publication. Applications for the 2004 National Schools of Character awards program are due December 8, 2003.

CEP also awards Promising Practices citations to schools and districts for implementing a unique and specific character education practice. From service learning to sportsmanship to academic achievement and more, Promising Practices represent a wide variety of innovative and effective strategies in character-based education. Selected schools or districts receive a certificate; a description of their promising practice also will appear in the annual National Schools of Character publication. Applications for Promising Practices citations are due by February 3, 2004.

Complete program guidelines and applications for both award programs can be downloaded at the CEP Web site. The site also provides examples of past winners and other resources in character education.

RFP Link: <a href="http://www.character.org/eventsawards/nsoc/">http://www.character.org/eventsawards/nsoc/</a>

For additional RFPs in Education, visit: <a href="http://www.fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_education.jhtml">http://www.fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_education.jhtml</a>