Character Education
According to the new section of Education Law §801-a,
all public school districts must provide instruction in civility, citizenship
and character education, as part of Project SAVE.
At the root of character education programs in our schools is the goal
of building a supportive community and an atmosphere of trust, respect
and support. The challenge course and initiative activities place students
who will learn, work and play together for the school year, in situations
where they must address the roles, responsibilities and obligations
that are involved in being part of a supportive community. Participating
in the challenge course or initiative activities encourages students
to work together as a community and enables them to solve complex situations
that require high-level problem solving skills, while fostering the
ideas of cooperation, trust, and effective communication.
The challenge course and initiative activities are designed to:
-
teach specific skills that can be transferred to all aspects of
life
-
use questioning, reasoning and critical thinking skills
-
create an emotionally and physically safe environment for taking
risks and giving and receiving feedback
-
be an experiential approach that engages all learning styles
These programs can become a springboard for any character education
program that is used in your school.
Most importantly, the challenge course and initiative games provide
students with a practical application and a realistic setting to experience
of the values of character education.
To receive a Challenge Course study unit or to book a program, contact
dschroeter@pnwboces.org
