Character Education

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    Commitment to Character

    Commitment to Character, the Pinellas County Schools district model for character development, utilizes a common language, teachable moments, literature, service learning, and modeling to teach character in all curriculum areas. Rather than using a prescribed curriculum, the Commitment to Character model provides a menu of strategies that are infused through the everyday curriculum with an intentional, conscious focus. The goal of the program is to create a school culture that is saturated with respect, responsibility, honesty and other character qualities to prepare students for college, career and life.
     
    Contact Michelle Anderson, K-8 Social Studies Specialist, at andersonmiche@pcsb.org or (727) 588-6102 for more information regarding Character Education. 
     
     
     

    UPCOMING TRAINING OPPORTUNITY: 

     TBA
     

Month by Month Calendar

  • Character Education*   
    August (Spanish) - Introduction and overview of PCS Character Education and traits. 

    Citizenship*   
    September (Spanish)- Being a law-abiding and involved citizen in service to school, community, and country. 

    Tolerance*
    October (Spanish) - Respecting the individual differences, views, and beliefs of other people.

    Patriotism*  
    November (Spanish) - Demonstrating allegiance to one’s country.

    Charity*   
    December (Spanish)- Displaying compassion and support by making donations or volunteering to help others in need.

    Kindness and Caring*   
    January  (Spanish) - Being kind, friendly, considerate and willing to listen, give and share.

    Cooperation*           
    February (Spanish) - Getting along with others and working together to accomplish a goal.

    Responsibility*             
    March (Spanish) - Doing your best and taking ownership of your words and actions

    Honesty*        
    April (Spanish) - Using truthful speech and behavior.

    Respect*                
    May (Spanish) - Treating yourself and others with courtesy and consideration.


    *Beginning 2004-2005 Character Education, K-12, shall stress these character qualities. Florida School Code, Section 1003.42(2)(s). updated 2022

Florida School Code 1003.42(2)(s)

  • Florida Education statute
    (required instruction)
    1003.42(2)(s1-3)(t)
     

    (s) A character development program in the elementary schools, similar to Character First or Character Counts, which is secular in nature. Beginning in school year 2004-2005, the character development program shall be required in kindergarten through grade 12. Each district school board shall develop or adopt a curriculum for the character development program that shall be submitted to the department for approval.

    1. The character development curriculum shall stress the qualities of patriotism; responsibility; citizenship; kindness; respect for authority, life, liberty, and personal property; honesty; charity; self-control; racial, ethnic, and religious tolerance; and cooperation.

    2. The character development curriculum for grades 9 through 12 shall, at a minimum, include instruction on developing leadership skills, interpersonal skills, organization skills, and research skills; creating a resume, including a digital resume; exploring career pathways; using state career planning resources; developing and practicing the skills necessary for employment interviews; conflict resolution, workplace ethics, and workplace law; managing stress and expectations; and developing skills that enable students to become more resilient and self-motivated.

    3. The character development curriculum for grades 11 and 12 shall include instruction on voting using the uniform primary and general election ballot described in s. 101.151(9).

    (t) In order to encourage patriotism, the sacrifices that veterans and Medal of Honor recipients have made in serving our country and protecting democratic values worldwide. Such instruction must occur on or before Medal of Honor Day, Veterans’ Day, and Memorial Day. Members of the instructional staff are encouraged to use the assistance of local veterans and Medal of Honor recipients when practicable.

    The State Board of Education is encouraged to adopt standards and pursue assessment of the requirements of this subsection. A character development program that incorporates the values of the recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor and that is offered as part of a social studies, English Language Arts, or other schoolwide character building and veteran awareness initiative meets the requirements of paragraphs (s) and (t).

Links and Resources

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