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Article DetailsCharacter Education Using The Keystone System |
| Date Added: November 22, 2010 04:23:26 PM |
| Author: lisawhite |
| Category: Arts & Humanities: Education |
| There is no doubt that many skills need to be taught in schools, and teachers and parents alike struggle to cover all the curriculum goals. Yet all the efforts to teach academics may miss the mark if students are not exposed to concepts such as persistence, patience, diligence, respect and other such character training. The Need for Character Education in Schools Since many students come from families where both parents work, and family time is at a premium, there is an increased need to expose children to social skills which affect behavior and attitude. Character education has always been important, but may even be more urgent in the current economy. In order for students to become and remain employed, certain people skills are becoming even more vital. All the efforts in the world to teach may not be enough if students don't develop good work habits and stay in school. Thus educators strive to reach the students' hearts as well as their brains. There are countless adults who wish they had learned the lessons of attitude, self-esteem, compassion, and other important skills needed in order to get along with others and make it in the world. Keystone Curriculum Used in Some Schools There are a number of character training programs being used in various schools including locally designed programs for character development and others. However, one that has met with considerable success is The Keystone System. There is a thought for the day, and a concept for the month. This program has been used at Goose Creek near Dallas and Armstrong Elementary in Conroe, Texas. The concepts emphasized are taught across the curriculum, with reinforcement at several points daily. There is a story available which varies depending on the level. At the end of the month teachers pick a student who personifies that month's trait and that child is invited to be honored at a breakfast with their parents. The award contains a picture of the student and teacher printed in color complete with congratulations signed by the school's principal. For grades 6-12, there is a teen leadership component. Character Education Lessons in Keystone Curriculum A vital element of this program is talking and practicing every day. "Consistency makes the difference," says principal Daniel Lopez of Armstrong Elementary in Conroe ISD. He encourages teachers to be patient with the program since it takes time for these skills to become habits. He noted the weekly treasure chest activities as well as daily reminders strengthen the overall program. The daily lessons are pre-planned and carefully thought out to maximize the concept being taught without adding undue preparation time for teachers who are already far too heavily burdened with both curriculum and paperwork duties. It involves stories with follow-up activities including games and questions that help facilitate thinking. These classroom experiences develop the vocabulary of character along with the concepts. The program stresses motivation for showing good citizenship applied both to the classroom and the greater world. Loyalty, honesty, diligence are words often saved for use in handing out honors in our schools. But the Keystone Program helps more people understand the value of such character traits. Students benefit from having the terms as well as the ideas clearly explained and applied in everyday life. History of The Keystone System Flip Flippen, a graduate of Texas A & M University, founded the Keystone Curriculum in the 1990's. He worked in educator training and leadership development in North America. He brought his passion as an author, psychotherapist, and business coach to the task. His company was voted the second best company to work for in Texas. Character education is of great importance in preparing students for their futures. The Keystone System provides a fully developed curriculum available for all ages which are reinforced throughout the school and used daily in a number of schools. Founder Flip Flippen has brought his concern and experience to the development of thorough curriculum for character training. Schools see improvement in both behavior and attitude with regular use of this program. Source: Interview on February 16, 2010 with Principal Daniel Lopez at Armstrong Elementary, Conroe I.S.D., Texas, and further observations of program in action as well as materials available. perfect custom essay |
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