| The purpose of this study was to ascertain which specific desirable character traits Collier County teachers think should be taught in school and what methods teachers use to teach the various traits. This study evaluated 14 elementary school character education plans using a rubric. The teachers' perceptions and impressions of the character traits were compared to each school's character education plan.; Elementary teachers perceived that the traits patriotism honesty, responsibility, tolerance, courtesy, self-discipline, self-respect, compassion, civic minded, fairness, and perseverance should be taught in public schools, and teachers had a strong tendency to use role modeling and spontaneous discussion to teach the character traits. This study found that 11 elementary schools teach and promote character education as evidenced in their character education plans. Three elementary schools did little to teach or promote character education.; Recommendations were made to modify the existing rubric used to evaluate character education plans and to engage in further research to determine what character traits are actually taught in the classroom and which methods are most effective in teaching character traits. This document is dedicated to the memory of my father and to my mother and extended family for instilling in me a love of learning and inspiring my career in education. |
