Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) strives to provide the best educational opportunities to ensure that all students are successful and prepared for a global tomorrow. The district s vision is for students to acquire knowledge, develop skills and build character so that they will lead productive, fulfilling and moral lives. This commitment has been translated into a unique character development initiative that touches every student and involves parents, the school and community in preparing students for life. FBISD s first Character Education Task Force was formed in 1996. In 2001-02, FBISD endorsed the FBISD Character Development Indicator System to promote core character traits as the basis of good character as illustrated on pages two and three. The task force devised a plan to integrate nine character traits into the curriculum. Since 2006, character education has become a major district priority. As part of the FBISD 2007-2012 District Strategic Plan, character education is explicitly identified as a goal for student success and achievement. Superintendent, Dr. Timothy Jenney, began a district-wide character education initiative by committing a district level position to coordinate the effective implementation of character education. Goal number seven of the district plan states, FBISD will foster character development of students and create a safe and healthy environment for all students and staff. Fort Bend ISD is proud of the fact that we are one of the most diverse school districts in Texas and in the nation. As a multicultural school district, our students represent countries from around the world. More than 90 different dialects and languages are spoken by our students and their families. A commitment to celebrating our diversity as well as the values our communities hold in common are a part of our core beliefs. 1
2
3
We have a unique resource called Character Links that provides a systemic framework to help us establish a common language and link the leadership of our district to schools, classrooms, homes, and the community. The program is simple to use, is aligned to state accountability standards, has a strong family involvement component, and helps to instill in our children the basic foundation of good character. Character Links not only reinforces key character attributes but is designed to support academic and community goals as well. The process involves the utilization of the following links: The Leader Link 144 short messages are designed to inspire thought on the importance of developing good character throughout the entire district. Each week features one character trait and delivers thought provoking questions to help guide decisions and inspire positive action. The Leader Link establishes and promotes a common vocabulary. (Audience: District Wide) The Principal Link 36 different Principal Links offer 180 daily readings designed to be read on the public broadcast system in every school. These Principals Principles set a positive frame of reference for the day. The Principal Link is provided to promote a school-wide common vocabulary and platform to support positive behavior. (Target audience: Students) The Teacher Link 1,350 concise, Texas Essential Knowledge of Skills (TEKS) lessons on the weekly character trait are presented in the context of academics. Each Teacher Link promotes good behavior, situational problem solving, higher order 4
thinking and develops a common vocabulary. (Target audience: Teachers and Students K-8) The Student Link 165 one-line messages to encourage positive behavior and actions. Student Links promote a common vocabulary. These age appropriate messages are delivered to students district e-mail accounts. (Target audience: Students) The Journal Link 32 writing activities based on four universal character traits, designed for Middle and High School students to develop good writing skills and an understanding of the importance of character in the workplace. The Journal Link promotes a common vocabulary and the application of key behaviors needed for success. (Target audience: Middle and High School Students, Counselors) The Home Family Link English/Spanish 30 different Home Links suggest 150 engaging daily home activities that are based on the weekly character trait and are designed to reinforce classroom lessons, promote family involvement and positive behavior. Each weekly Home Link extends learning opportunities for students outside the classroom and develops a common vocabulary. (Target audience: Families and the Community) The Community Link 30 different Community Links present over 180 community based action ideas to keep the community informed about each week s character trait. The Community Link promotes a common vocabulary for the entire community. (Target audience: Families, Businesses, Organizations, Community-at- Large) Everybody s Link The 30 character traits are defined in simple terms. The definitions provide all FBISD employees, including auxiliary staff (transportation, 5
custodial staff, and food services), with the common terminology to support a District of Good Character and Positive Culture. Each definition is presented in an attractive format for everybody to see and use each week. Everybody s Link is designed to be displayed; presenting an opportunity for all FBISD employees to support positive behavior using the weekly trait as common ground. It serves as a constant reminder of the weekly focus and keeps it at the top of everybody s mind. (Target audience: All District employees) Within the Character Links framework 2,500 TEKS-based lessons, activities, and ideas that target specific audiences within the district and community are utilized. In previous years (2007 to Spring 2010), the Character Links program was provided through a hardcopy format of teacher lessons and Home Links that elementary students took home to share with parents. However, for the 2010-11 school year everything needed to implement the program is available on the District Website. In summary, Character Links is an efficient framework to engage all stakeholders in supporting FBISD district goals. 6
7
8 Principles One and Two
9 Principles One and Two
10 Principles One and Two
11 Principles One and Two (Spanish)
In an effort for students to be committed to high ethical standards and values that support a free democratic and civil society, FBISD recognizes that they need to understand the importance of being responsible for their actions. Students need to be taught how to resolve conflict through reasoning rather than violence and should also understand and celebrate diversity that ultimately enriches our society. Each year campuses develop and implement a Character Education and Cultural Diversity Plan to engage all stakeholders in the process. FBISD endorses the No Place for Hate program as an effective practice of promoting a safe and civil environment that encourages respect and assists with character development for all stakeholders. No Place for Hate is a campaign against prejudice, bigotry and discrimination of all kinds. No Place for Hate helps set a standard of respect for diversity and anti-bias efforts in schools across the state. Sixty-two of the seventy schools were designated as No Place for Hate campuses by the Anti-Defamation League for the 2009-10 school year. In August 2010, the FBISD Administration facility received the No Place for Hate designation for the district level campaigns held to promote a culture of respect. The steps to become a No Place for Hate School include the following: Complete and submit the Intent Form Create a No Place for Hate Coalition of students, parents, educators and community members to oversee the initiative s implementation Have all members of your school sign the ADL's Resolution of Respect 12
Complete at least three campus-wide anti-bias and diversity education activities throughout the school year Complete and submit the Coalition Form, Resolution Form, and one Activity Fulfillment Form for each activity, along with supplemental materials No Place for Hate Activities (Wall of Intolerance created by students) 13 (It s a Small World created by students)
14 Principles Two, Three and Ten
15
Implementing the CHAMPS Classroom Management framework at FBISD campuses has improved school climate and decreased student discipline referrals at campuses throughout the district. CHAMPS helps teachers establish clear expectations and provides positive behavior support to students. Because behavior impacts academics, efforts to promote positive behavior support must be directly aligned with academics. CHAMPS positive approach to classroom management helps campuses establish common goals, guidelines for success, positive expectations, and motivates students to succeed. The three-year district-wide CHAMPS initiative has been very successful in FBISD. Sixty-seven of the 73 Fort Bend campuses have been trained in the CHAMPS Classroom Management system. Thirty campuses were trained in the 2008-09 school year, twenty-one campuses received CHAMPS training in 2009-10, 16 campuses have received training this year, and the remaining six campuses are scheduled for training on January 3, 2011. The total number of level one discipline referrals for CHAMPS campuses has decreased. The elementary CHAMPS campuses showed a decrease of 1,487 discipline referrals across 30 campuses. Three of the eight middle school campuses showed a significant decrease in office referrals, while others showed an improved school climate. There were 8,363 fewer discipline referrals reported at the four CHAMPS high schools. Due to success with the district s implementation of CHAMPS initiative, FBISD was recognized in the second edition of the CHAMPS Manual by the publisher. Fort 16
Bend ISD also had the unique opportunity to present the district s success story at the Safe & Civil Schools 2010 National Conference. 17
As a state-mandated entity, the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is designed to inform and guide the school district on such issues as nutrition, physical activity, human sexuality education and substance abuse. Before making a decision regarding the district s health education instruction or curriculum, the school board is required to consider the recommendations of the local SHAC. Fort Bend ISD s SHAC has won several state-level awards, including the 2009 Award of Excellence for Local School Health Advisory Councils. In addition, our TalkLine program was selected as an award winner by the Texas Department of State Health Services. TalkLine is a 24 hour a day, year-round crisis hotline dedicated to FBISD students in grades 6 through 12. Provided through a partnership with Crisis Intervention of Houston, TalkLine is a way for young people to get support and referrals for relationship issues, bullying, mental health issues, etc. During the first two years of operation, TalkLine fielded an average of 350 calls per month from FBISD students. 18
The District Student Advisory Committee (DSAC), a sub-committee of SHAC, links high school students throughout the district in character education and cultural diversity activities and events. DSAC is a program designed for tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade students from FBISD campuses to foster leadership skills and responsibility. DSAC organized the first annual FBISD High School Quiz Bowl Contest. The event was designed to get FBISD high school students involved with celebrating a legacy of leaders and the rich and diverse history of Fort Bend County. DSAC planned, organized and facilitated the FBISD High School Diversity Conference with over 450 high school students from the ten campuses. DSAC created two videos to highlight the real-life connections between what students learn about diversity and its authentic application. The goal of the Diversity Conference was to increase awareness, improve communication and develop mutual understanding and respect among student groups. The students had the opportunity to network with their peers from campuses throughout the district, take part in several interactive breakout sessions, and hear motivational messages from the keynote speakers. The students were grouped by campus for the last session so they could complete a campus action plan for the 2010-11 school year. The conference concluded with the final round of the District Quiz Bowl Contest for the District Championship. 19
20 Principle Six---District Diversity Conference
Principles Two, Four, Five and Six---Actions of Caring Hurricane Ike struck the Texas coast in September 2008 and was the third costliest hurricane ever to make landfall in the United States. The storm caused extensive loss of electricity and widespread damage to homes and businesses. FBISD was closed for six instructional days and reported over three million dollars in loss. Christa McAuliffe Middle School sustained massive damage and was required to relocate until the repairs could be completed. FBISD students, along with students from the surrounding school districts and a local Wal-Mart, hosted a Hurricane Ike school supply drive for McAuliffe Middle School raising over $4000 in school supplies and materials. In addition, a local area church group helped with a materials collection and groups of students throughout FBISD volunteered with the cleanup effort. As a district, we strive to provide real life opportunities for students to put into action the core character education traits. Twenty campuses hosted a Souper Bowl of Caring food drive raising 16,510 food items and over $1,000 in monetary donations for the End Hunger Network. 21
22
A variety of programs that impact character development are offered throughout the district. Each year campuses campaign to educate and encourage students to remain drug free through the Red Ribbon Week activities. A team of FBISD students representing several high schools created the I AM.drug free campaign utilizing social networking to communicate the message. Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL) is an award winning, non-profit program providing effective training in "resiliency" strategies. The PAL program is a Texas Education Agency (TEA) accredited course for 8th graders at the Middle School level and for Junior and Senior students at the High School level. Students in the PAL program enrich their schools and community through service learning projects and extended volunteer activities. They provide guidance and mentoring for peers and younger children on issues such as self-esteem, drug awareness and social skills. 23
Fort Bend ISD supports the Texas Association of Student Councils and the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals in its goal to develop leadership abilities in students, promote democracy as a way of life, and establish and uphold high standards for local councils. A student council is defined as a group of elected and volunteer students working together with an adult advisor, within the framework of a constitution, to provide a means for student expression and assistance in school affairs and activities and give opportunities for student experience in leadership while encouraging school activities that promote citizenship, scholarship, leadership, human relations and cultural values. In addition to Student Council, the FBISD s Junior Student Leadership Program is provided to high school juniors. Through a series of seven monthly seminars, students explore their personal roles in community and school leadership and volunteer service by serving a two-year term. In Year One as juniors, students observe leadership in action, learn leadership skills from community and school leaders, and develop their own leadership skills. In Year Two as seniors, they apply their leadership skills in support of school and community volunteerism projects and efforts including those sponsored by special FBISD projects at the campus and district level. 24
In addition to the multiple levels of district personnel implementing character education through Character Links, campuses developed and implemented a Character Education and Cultural Diversity Plan in the 2009-10 school year. Each campus has a Character Education Liaison serving as the official contact for the campus. The liaisons attend Character Education trainings three times a year and some serve on different program committees that meet monthly. Liaisons collaborate and network with each other and outside agencies to promote continuous improvement with character education. Character Education information, resources and materials are provided and shared on the district s intranet site. During the spring Character Education training, the Care and Share Mentoring program was introduced and six campuses are piloting the program this school year. The goal of the program is to encourage student growth in the areas of goal setting, leadership, positive self-image, academic achievement, conflict resolution, and selfconfidence. The sessions are designed to encourage and motivate students to set goals and make appropriate decisions to achieve their goals. Students learn how to overcome obstacles and failure while setting new goals to achieve. During the sessions the students will be empowered with leadership techniques and skills. They will utilize the techniques and skills to be effective leaders in the schools and communities. 25
At the end of each year, a Character Education report is completed, providing yearly feedback which is used to create improvement plans for areas in need of growth. A modified version of Character Education Partnership (CEP) Assessment Survey is utilized annually to drive the Character Education initiative. Each campus completes an on-line assessment to evaluate their efforts in relation to CEP s Eleven Principles of Effective Character Education. The instrument provides the means to reflect on current practices, identify short and long-term goals and develop a plan for continuous improvement at the campus and district level. FBISD has a strong partnership with the Fort Bend Sheriff s Department. This select group of Deputies presents Juvenile Justice Programs in our district and discusses the current laws pertaining to alcohol and drug use as well as bullying, cyber-bullying, running away from home, stealing/shoplifting, and fighting/assault to name a few. The Deputies also focus on building good citizenship and character. The Deputies offer five programs and each program targets a different age group. The ultimate goal of each program is to educate our students on the current Juvenile laws and to help build a relationship between the students and law enforcement personnel. The program Kids and Cops targets K-5 th grade students with a focus on 5 th grade. Now That You re 10 is a program that targets 4 th graders. Before It s Too Late is a one day, peer to peer program presented to all 6 th graders in our district by PAL high school students who are trained by the Deputies. Consequences is taught in Middle School Health classes and 26
Crossing the Line is taught in the High School Health classes. Over 56,000 students were involved in these various Juvenile Justice classes during the 2009-10 school year. Nineteen community sponsors and over 100 volunteers partnered with the district to provide FBISD high school students with an opportunity to make meaningful connections. Their goals were to seek reasonable and respectful solutions to diversity issues encountered on their home campuses. The Community Sponsors provided over $4,000 in monetary donations and a host of student incentives were given to students at the Diversity Conference. At the end of each year, the Safe and Drug Free Schools staff hosts a reception for the many community volunteers who are instrumental in providing programs and services to the students and staff in the district. The Fort Bend County Medical Alliance Society works collaboratively with the district every year for the annual WATCH Your Wellness Fair. WATCH is an acronym for Weight, Activity, Tobacco, Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure. Over 4,000 students, school staff, parents and community members join together at Sugar Land Town Square in March for health screenings and fun activities for all ages to educate and influence heart healthy and heart friendly habits. Parent involvement is key to developing a shared partnership between home and school. Parents, educators, and the community must work together to encourage our students to take education seriously and work to their full capacity to become life-long learners and outstanding citizens. The Home and Family Link of Character Links provides daily home activities, based on the weekly character traits, designed to promote 27
family involvement and reinforce classroom lessons and messages. The Home Links are customized to include special messages and photos and are available on the District website. Fort Bend ISD encourages parents and community members to become actively involved in supporting our schools through volunteering. The time and talents they share significantly enriches the learning experience for all our students as they prepare for a global tomorrow. More than 7,500 registered volunteers devoted over 295,000 hours in 2009-10. One hundred percent of FBISD campuses are identified as TEA Character Plus Schools. Each year TEA designates schools as a Character Plus School based on a set of core character traits, integrated teaching strategies, age-appropriate programs and stakeholders committee. The chart below demonstrates the increase in character building initiatives from 2007-2010. Principles Nine, Ten, and Eleven # of Schools Character Education Report 2007-10 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 Character Education Intiatives Character Ed Plan Character Links TEA Character Plus Schools No Place For Hate Souper Bowl of Caring DSAC Character Ed Training Character Ed Assessment HS Diversity Conference 28 Note: Seventy Schools represents 100 percent
Several programs and events have been implemented based on the results of the modified CEP annual assessment. For example, results from the 2008-09 assessment indicated that character education practices in FBISD schools are good to exemplary implementation; principles 9, 10 & 11 scored good implementation and efforts were focused in these areas. In 2009-10, several student-led committees and events were held in the district. DSAC was the forerunner with planning, organizing and facilitating the events. In 2009-10, over seventy middle school students attended the No Place For Hate Youth Summit where a coalition of students participated with a full-day workshop of training designed for students to take back strategies to implement at their campuses. Eight middle school campuses will be sending over 100 students to the summit on November 30, 2010. Also, FBISD will host an evening presentation on Cyberbullying: Identification, Prevention and Response for parents, students, staff and the community. Five high school campuses have registered a No Place for Hate coalition team to attend the event. The feature keynote speaker, Dr. Sameer Hinduja, the Co-Director of the Cyberbullying Research Center and author of Bullying Beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying will identify types of cyberbullying, discuss strategies to prevent and respond to the negative actions that are usually targeted at preteens and teenagers by other youth. 29
30 Principles Ten and Eleven---Highlights from FBISD
In the past three years FBISD campuses have completed a modified version of CEP s Character Education Quality Standards Assessment. The National School of Character (NSOC) committee was created in October 2009 to plan, prepare and submit a district application. The committee is composed of the following members: Dr. Olwen Herron, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Bob Conlon, Director of Student Support Services Ilene Harper, Assistant Director of Student Support Services Sandra Buffolano, Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and parent Nicola Ferla, Licensed Specialist in School Psychology Greg Foulds, Assistant Principal, Dulles Middle School Annette Henderson, Health and Safe Schools Facilitator Umekia Johnson-Adams, School Counselor, Missouri City Middle School and parent The NSOC committee met three times in 2009 and four times in 2010 to collect data and artifacts to write the district application. The committee will continue to meet monthly in order to develop a district video that will highlight the Character Education Initiative. Thank you for your consideration of the FBISD application which has provided an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to character education. 31