Respect. Trust. Responsibility.
Those are principles Nebo School District is beginning to emphasize in blending character education into its curriculum.While district teachers combine character skills with the three R's, administrators, teachers and even parents are expected to become role models, a recently adopted policy says. Included in the mix is respect for the American flag, an element the board of education added.
But at least one organization opposes part of Nebo's approach. The district included a national program called Community of Caring in its character education effort, which Utah Eagle Forum President Gayle Ruzicka describes as offensive.
The Community of Caring concept stems from a study involving high school students in Richmond, Va.; Sacramento, Calif.; and Kansas City, Mo., administered by the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation between 1988 and 1990.
Nedra Call, district curriculum coordinator, defended the approach as a proven method to prevent or reduce adolescent pregnancy and other self-destructive behavior. It is being introduced in Springville and Payson secondary schools, Sage Creek Elementary in Springville and Park Elementary in Spanish Fork.
"Some things (in Community of Caring) we're not going to advocate," said Call. That includes a section called Teen Forum, which may come later. Teen Forum is used in Salt Lake City's Granite School District and allows teens to leave class - often the campus - for open discussions on such topics as AIDS, gangs, drugs, community issues and even cheating. The students must obtain parental permission to participate.
Sharlene Linford of the Granite School District said Teen Forum discussions have resulted in a reduction in teenage pregnancy and drug and alcohol use. However, it can also bring out negative feelings in teens that must be handled, she said.
Ruzicka said one of her concerns was that Community of Caring instructions are non-directive. Children role play various situations, but the program lacks follow-through regarding correct choices, she said, leading to crime and delinquency.
"Why can't we just go back to what works, rather than trying something new?" she said.
Community opposition prevented the Provo School District from using Community of Caring, said Drew Bolander, coordinator for student services. He said it took almost a year of discussions with conservative, liberal and minority groups to develop a statement, "but they all have ownership in it."
The philosophy is not used in the Alpine School District either, where character education is also blended into the curriculum, according to Colleen Granger, associate superintendent in charge of curriculum.
Back in the Nebo District, which received $30,000 in state funds newly allocated for character education, banners will soon go up in classrooms, labs and other areas where teachers and students work together with the words "Respect, Trust, Responsibility, Caring, Honesty - It's an Attitude."
And for students caught doing something good, the district is providing certificates to teachers and business people to give them.
"If you don't teach them (universal values), you're still teaching them something," Call said.