You are here

Keep It Simple, Make It Real
Share
Share

Keep It Simple, Make It Real
Character Development in Grades 6-12

Edited by:

Foreword by Philip Fitch Vincent



July 2009 | 192 pages | Corwin
This resource provides a comprehensive plan for creating and sustaining a school- and classroom-based character development programme while maintaining a unique and consistent focus on "keeping it simple" and "making it real."

Unlike many existing models for character development, the book's approach addresses the underlying factors that limit students' interest and/or desire to develop positive attitudes and behaviours. These elements include students' perceptions about their physical, emotional, and intellectual environments, and how those environments are influenced by the relationships with their principals, teachers, and each other.

Based on research, best practices, and the author's more than 30 years in education, Keep It Simple, Make It Real: Character Development in Grades 6-12 gives educators a powerful tool for influencing students' attitudes and behaviours.

 
Foreword by Philip Fitch Vincent
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Author
 
1. Living, Learning, and Leading in Harmony: Character Development in Middle and Secondary Schools
Current Perspectives on Character Development

 
Introduction

 
Current Perspectives on Character Development

 
Academic Achievement and Students' Beliefs, Attitudes, and Behaviors

 
Keept It Simple, Make It Real

 
A Character Development Framework for Schools

 
Some Final Thoughts

 
Quotes

 
 
2. Safe and Inviting Physical Environment: Physical Environments That Change Behavior
Aspects of the Physical Environment That Impact On Achievement and Character Development

 
Aspects of the Physical Environment Affecting Health

 
Aspects of the Environment Affecting Safety

 
Aspects of the Physical Environment Affecting Physiological Needs

 
Aspects of the Physical Environment Affecting Morale

 
Some Final Thoughts

 
Quotes

 
 
3. Modeling Good Character: The Role of Principals and Teachers
Introduction

 
Modeling the Three Es

 
The First E: The Power of Experience

 
The Second E: The Power of Exchange

 
The Third E: The Power of Empowerment

 
Some Final Thoughts

 
Quotes

 
 
4. Establishing Rules and Procedures for Civility: Creating a Positive School and Classroom Environment
Introduction

 
The Need for Discipline in Establishing a Positive School Climate

 
Progressive Discipline

 
Positive Behavioral Interventions, Supports, and Consequences

 
Some Final Thoughts

 
Quotes

 
 
5. Making Curricular Connections: Teaching Opportunities That Connect Student Learning to Character Development
Introduction

 
Curriculum Priorities in Character Development

 
The R.I.T.E. of Curriculum Passage

 
Curricular and Cocurricular Opportunities That Connect Student Learning to Character Development

 
Some Final Thoughts

 
Quotes

 
 
6. Assessing Character Development
Introduction

 
Monitoring Character Development

 
Creating the Assessment Tool

 
Some Final Thoughts

 
Quotes

 
 
Resource A: Sample Character Development Framework for Schools: Trillium Lakelands District School Board
 
Resource B: Sample Assessment and Evaluation Tools for the Character Development Framework for Schools
 
Resource C: Sample Strategic Plan for Schoolwide Character Development
 
Resource D: Sample Lesson Plans
 
Resource E: Sample Assessment and Evaluation Poster Embedding Character Development
 
Resource F: Sample Code of Behavior
 
References

“Jan Olsson uses his experience as a teacher and administrator to offer educators and community leaders a must-read, what-works-and-what-doesn’t book on character development in schools. This exceptionally well-organized, practical, and very impressive work should be on every administrator’s and character educator’s desk. Olsson redefines the lens through which educators view the factors that impact school climate, teacher-student relationships, student behavior, and ultimately the character development of young people.”

Edward DeRoche, Director
Character Development Center, University of San Diego

"This is a book that's been needed in the character education movement for a long time, one written by a principal who's been leading the way. Jan Olsson lives up to his title by keeping it simple and by keeping it real while showing us how we can help junior high and high school students develop their character without sacrificing academic standards. It's easy to read, well organized, and, most important, contains hundreds of practical strategies that work."

Hal Urban, Teacher and Speaker
Author, Lessons From The Classroom

"Nuts-and-bolts advice supported by real-life examples makes Jan Olsson’s how-to manual an invaluable tool for school leaders. There are gems of wisdom here you won’t find in other character education guides."

Tom Lickona, Director, Center for the 4th and 5th Rs
Coauthor, Smart & Good High Schools

Sample Materials & Chapters

Preface

Chapter 1


For instructors

Please contact your Academic Consultant to check inspection copy availability for your course.

Select a Purchasing Option

ISBN: 9781412966030
£30.99