New Hampshire Department of Education Abstract

Contact: John Deziel
New Hampshire Department of Education
101 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271–3719
jdeziel@ed.state.nh.us

Partnerships in Character Education

Application Number: R215V990022
Project Period: 7/1/99–6/30/03
FY 1999 Award: $217,958
FY 2000 Award: $260,250
FY 2001 Award: $313,404
FY 2002 Award: $206,443

The purpose of this project is to develop, implement, evaluate, and replicate a comprehensive model of character education throughout the state of New Hampshire. The key model components to be addressed are:

• the development of a statewide network focused on character education that links local communities, families, health-related services and businesses, and members of the education community, including representatives from higher education;
• the development and maintenance of an information network clearinghouse consisting of tested materials and curriculums as well as locally created essential learning based on existing or newly developed programming, technical assistance, and professional development;
• the development of new, innovative projects, the adaptation of tested models, and the expansion of existing programs which provide a comprehensive program of professional development and technical assistance for school staff, educators and administrators on methodologies, curriculum, and role modeling;
• the creation of opportunities for school partners to examine and discuss school hierarchy and structures, and whether those structures best facilitate the teaching of democratic values and principles; the use of computer technology to provide information and distance learning on character education throughout the state; and
• the comprehensive evaluation of the status of character education in the state over the past 10 years.

The overarching goal of this project is to provide a comprehensive, systems change initiative for schools throughout New Hampshire that, based on new and existing practice and knowledge, can best instill the values and critical thinking skills necessary to function within a democratic society, including justice, fairness, respect, responsibility, citizenship, and honesty.

Actions accomplished to date include establishing an advisory committee to design the implementation strategy and determining specific evaluation criteria; assigning a contract to the Institute on Emotional Disability to conduct the evaluation of the previous policies and practices in New Hampshire; finalizing a contract with the Character Development Foundation to assist with resource gathering and dissemination, as well as the examination of interest in developing a character education compact in the State; assigning a contract to Franklin Pierce Law Center to develop a civics and law-based distance learning program for teachers around the state; and drafting a planning grant RFP to go out to the field in January 2000.

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