Michigan Model Partnership for Character Education

The U.S. Department of Education is funding a four-year partnership (October 2000 – September 2004) that is supporting the development, evaluation, and dissemination of model character education curriculum.  Partners include the Michigan Department of Education, Genesee Intermediate School District, Grand Rapids Public Schools, and Macomb Intermediate School District.  Each partner is responsible for one of the major elements of the project.  Six schools are participating in an evaluation of the curriculum: two middle schools, two high schools, and two alternative high schools.           

Curriculum Development and Training 
Genesee Intermediate School District

Character Education modules have been developed as part of the Michigan Model for Comprehensive School Health Education.  These modules promote the core values of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, caring, civic virtue/citizenship, and justice/fairness, building on pertinent lessons in the Michigan Model for the elementary grades.   Input from students, teachers, community members and parent representatives helped guide the curriculum development and revision process. 

Local Coalitions 
Macomb Intermediate School District

Four local schools are receiving assistance from a School Climate Consultant to develop a local coalition, assess school climate, develop a plan to address local needs, implement strategies, and monitor progress.  Each participating school receives a stipend to expend on materials or services related to character education and/or improving school climate. 

Evaluation 
Grand Rapids Public Schools 

Michigan State University is conducting an evaluation of the curriculum used alone, and in combination with school-wide initiatives to improve school climate.  Several tools developed as part of this partnership can be accessed on this web site, and used with acknowledgement.