The American Association of School Administrators and the National School Boards Association have approved jointly a statement endorsing character education in the nation’s schools.  It reads:

“Nations rise and fall with the character of their people.  If our nation is to survive and prosper, then present and future citizens must be committed to high ethical standards and values that support a free, democratic and civil society."

Children should understand the need to be responsible for their own actions and that their actions affect the lives of others.  They should emerge from the education system valuing honesty, integrity, effort, trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.  They should be prepared to resolve conflict through reasoning rather than violence.  They should also understand and accept the diversity that has always been a major characteristic of American society.

Therefore Huron Academy endorses the continuing need for character education in the nation's schools. Knowing that character drives personal, professional and civic decisions, Huron Academy, the NSBA, and the AASA realize that character education programs are most effective when they are developed in concert with the local school community. We will provide such an opportunity here at Huron Academy.

   Huron Academy Character Education

I.                      TRUSTWORTHINESS – being worthy of trust, honor and confidence in all relationships.

·                      Honesty (truthful, sincere, non-deceptive, candid, not cheating)

·                      Integrity (morally courageous, principled)

·                      Promise-keeping (dependable, reliable)

·                      Loyalty (faithful, allegiant, supportive, maintains confidences)

 

II.                    RESPECT – demonstrating regard for the dignity, worth and autonomy of all person (including self)

·                      Trusting others with courtesy, civility, politeness

·                      Tolerating other’s beliefs

·                      Accepting individual differences without prejudice

·                      Refraining from violence, coercion, intimidation

 

III.                  RESPONSIBILITY – acknowledging and living up to duties to others and self.

·                      Accountability (answerable for consequences of decisions)

·                      Pursuit of excellence (diligent, industriousness, perseverant)

·                      Self-discipline (self-control, restraint)

 

         IV.      JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS

·                      Making decisions on appropriate factors (impartiality, avoidance of conflicts of interest)

·                      Commitment to equity and equality

·                      Openness to information and ideas

·                      Reasonableness

·                      Due process

·                      Consistency