| The purpose of this study was to examine the depth and breadth of the implementation of a character education initiative sponsored by CHARACTERplus through out the state of Missouri. The study group was a group of educators associated with the 1999--2001 CHARACTERplus Pilot Project. Participant perceptions were measured by pre and post survey data collected from the Eleven Principles Survey {lcub}EPS{rcub} distributed by Character Education Partnership. SPSS was used to analyze the data collected. This study design used descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc comparison, and discriminant analysis to provide more information regarding depth and breadth of program implementation by EPS item, by school level.; The CHARACTERplus professional development training model positively changed participant perceptions regarding character education principles. Elementary respondents reported a pre-existing foundation in the instructional areas of character education and significant progress in program implementation by the end of the project. Middle school participants indicated strong growth in faculty consensus surrounding the elemental concepts of the project and moderate program implementation. High school respondents reported the least breadth of implementation and would benefit from additional training.; Results of the study implied the need for an implementation plan designed to address faculty needs at each school level. The Hargreaves and Fink evaluation model provided program facilitators with prescriptive information for further professional development training at elementary, middle, and high school levels. |
