Character Education and Community Collaboration

The Character Education initiative of the South Carolina Department of Education (SDE) began with federal funding during the 1996-97 school year. This important initiative has a broad base of support that includes the business community and numerous cities and communities of character throughout the state. The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and its constituent businesses initiated the effort to include a character development measure on the annual school report card. A diverse group of school and community representatives with roots to the initial federal funding period advises the initiative. This advisory group, known as the South Carolina Character Development Partnership Team, operates in accordance with the following vision, mission, and definitions of character and character education.

Vision:

That one day every citizen will have a clear sense of what is right and wrong and will make the choice to do what is right.

Mission:

To promote comprehensive character development in South Carolina by advancing knowledge, encouraging partnerships, and creating opportunities for professional development.

Good character consists of knowing the good, desiring the good, and doing the good—habits of the mind, habits of the heart, and habits of action. Dr. Thomas Lickona (Educating for Character, 1991)

Character education is the infusion of character development into the culture and life of families, schools, organizations, and communities.

Character Education and Community Collaboration

Related Links

Contact Information

Program Calendar