Character EducationLearning Support :

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) supports districts' character education initiatives upon request. Current legislation encourages districts to integrate or offer character education programs encompassing qualities including truthfulness, respect for authority, self-discipline and respect for others; authorizes the use of available federal funds for these programs; and allows districts to accept private funding. See the legislation under Related Links.

Congratulations to Minnesota's 2008 Schools of Character Awardees The Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) in partnership with MDE recognized Orono High School, Orono Public School District, Trailview School in Mora, Lake Park-Audubon Elementary and Ellis Middle School in Austin during the first annual Minnesota Schools of Character (MSOC) awards program. The program is modeled after the National Schools of Character (NSOC) program sponsored by the Character Education Partnership (CEP) and based on CEP’s Eleven Principles of Effective Character Education. Criteria for judging schools includes demonstrating positive results in student behavior, school climate and academic performance. Minnesota's top awardees will advance to the National Schools of Character competition. For additional information visit the MN SSOC & Promising Practices page on the CAE Website.

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