A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

FOR RELEASE
May 23, 2000

Contact:
David Thomas
(202) 401-1579

NINE STATES RECEIVE CHARACTER EDUCATION GRANTS

U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley announced today that nine states have received a total of $2.5 million in grants to form partnerships with local school districts and communities to help youth incorporate good citizenship into their education.

"Good citizenship, compassion and respect for others are qualities just as important as learning to high standards in math, science and reading," Riley said, "and school is where most young people spend most of their time outside the home. With these grants, schools and communities can reinforce parents in helping students learn to make good choices and be positive members of society throughout their lives."

Under the Partnerships in Character Education Pilot Projects Program, the grantees will launch partnerships with one or more local school districts to establish character education programs for youth.

Parents, students and other community members, including private and non-profit organizations, can participate in the design and administration of programs. The character education partnerships will help states work with school districts to develop curriculum materials, provide teacher training, gauge and build community consensus on common values, involve parents in character education and integrate character education into the curriculum.

The projects will be evaluated to determine their success toward reducing discipline problems and improving student grades, increasing participation in extracurricular activities, and strengthening parent and community involvement. States are also asked to establish a clearinghouse for the distribution of materials and information about character education.

The grantees were selected from among 15 eligible applicants.

The Partnerships in Character Education Pilot Projects Program is authorized under Title X, Part A, Section 10103 of the Improving American's School Act (P.L. 203-382).

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NOTE TO EDITORS: Following are grant amounts and contacts.

PARTNERSHIPS IN CHARACTER EDUCATION PILOT PROJECTS - 2000

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