The Board of Education of the Grand Rapids Public Schools recognizes that preparing all children to be educated, self-directed, and productive citizens of society requires character development as well as intellectual and physical development. The Board also affirms the importance of the family and other community institutions in shaping a child's character. The school staff supports other institutions that shape character by teaching, modeling, and encouraging the development of character. The Board, therefore, hereby adopts this policy.
The administration, with the cooperation of the certified staff, shall develop a Quality Character Education Program that follows such programs as the Michigan Model for Comprehensive School Health Education.
In addition, the Quality Character Education Program of the District shall include and embrace the principles set forth in the Michigan State Board of Education Policy on Quality Character Education as adopted and recommended June 8, 2004.
Character Education in the Grand Rapids Public Schools includes those virtues that are commonly recognized as important to a civil society. These virtues include: consideration for others, acceptance of individual differences, honesty, respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, integrity, and good citizenship. In practice, these should allow students to form positive social relationships and become effective citizens. All schools shall strive to develop an intrinsic commitment to these values and behaviors. School employees are expected to teach and to model them in interactions with staff, students, parents/guardians, and the community.
Since there are many ways to achieve this, the Board of Education does not prescribe one curriculum, program, or approach; only that such education does occur using one of the District's approved programs.
