Character Education

Books & Articles | Videos | Online Learning | Webinars | Experts & Events

 ASCD's A Lexicon of Learning defines character education as follows:

Teaching children about basic human values, including honesty, kindness, generosity, courage, freedom, equality, and respect. The goal is to raise children to become morally responsible, self-disciplined citizens. Problem solving, decision making, and conflict resolution are important parts of developing moral character. Through role playing and discussions, students are helped to see that their decisions affect other people and things. Service learning is frequently a part of a comprehensive character education program.

Character education is actively promoted by the Character Education Partnership, a coalition of education and civic organizations with viewpoints that range from liberal to conservative.

Meeting Students Where They Are

Educational Leadership takes a look at character education in this February 2010 issue.

Browse issue

Books 

See free sample chapters, study guides, and author interviews.

• The Best Schools: How Human Development Research Should Inform Educational Practice (2006)
• Building Learning Communities with Character: How to Integrate Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (2002)
• Connecting Character to Conduct: Helping Students Do the Right Things (2000)
• The Soul of Education: Helping Students Find Connection, Compassion, and Character at School (2000)

Mixed Media

• Emotional Intelligence Professional Inquiry Kit (1997)

Articles

Members can access the full text of all articles by logging in.

Educational Leadership

• The Bridge to Character (February 2010)
• Schools of Conscience (May 2009) (free full text)
• No More Haves and Have Nots (May 2007)
• Boosting Social and Emotional Competence (April 2007)
• Character Education: Parents as Partners (September 2005)
• Creating Culturally Responsive Schools (September 2005) (free full text)

Videos 

• Breaking Through Barriers to Achievement DVD and Facilitator's Guide (2005)

Online Learning 

PD Online^® Courses

• Embracing Diversity: Effective Teaching, 2nd edition
• Embracing Diversity: Managing Diverse Schools and Classrooms, 2nd edition

Webinars 

• Jonathan Erwin: Inspiring the Best in Your Students (May 17, 2011)

Experts & Events

ASCD Faculty members are available for on-site capacity-building professional development on character education. ASCD can design a precise professional development plan, organized around our field-tested solutions, with a focus on the education foundations that make sense for you.

Learn more about ASCD Professional Learning Services

ASCD Conferences, One-, Two-, and Three-Day Institutes, and other special events frequently feature sessions about character education.

Learn more about ASCD Conferences and Events