The Character Education Partnership (CEP) has named Eagle Rock School & Professional Development Center as a 2012 National School of Character (NSOC).
Each year, CEP selects schools and districts that demonstrate through a rigorous evaluation process that their focus on character development has had a positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate. Selected schools are then expected to serve as models for other schools, helping them to achieve the same results. Eagle Rock School is one of 24 schools and 1 school district being recognized nationwide in 2012.
“You hear so much about school problems these days that it’s great to focus on schools that work,” said CEP president & CEO Mark Hyatt. “These schools went through a very rigorous evaluation process and we are thrilled to recognize their achievements and tell their stories.”
Schools and districts from more than 30 participating states are named State Schools of Character (SSOC) before advancing to the national level for review. Eagle Rock School & Professional Development Center will receive the SSOC award from The Foundation for Character Development for Colorado later this spring.
CEP will honor the 2012 National Schools of Character at the National Forum on Character Education, to be held Nov. 1-3 in Washington, D.C. At the ceremony, Eagle Rock School & Professional Development Center will receive an NSOC award, banner and a small grant to help with outreach efforts.
“These schools have built strong communities that bring people together around shared goals,” said Lara Maupin, NSOC director. “Nobody feels alone or unwelcome in these schools. Adults are all on the same page about what’s important and, as a result, kids thrive.”
Eagle Rock, an initiative of the American Honda Education Corporation, a nonprofit subsidiary of the American Honda Motor Company, is both a school for high school age students and a professional development center for adults, particularly educators. The school is a year-round, residential and full-scholarship school that enrolls young people ages 15-17 from around the United States in an innovative learning program with national recognition.
The Professional Development Center works with educators from around the country who wish to study how to re-engage, retain and graduate students. The center provides consulting services at school sites and hosts educators who study and learn from Eagle Rock practices.
The Character Education Partnership is a national advocate and leader for the character education movement. The Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, nonpartisan, nonsectarian coalition of organizations and individuals is committed to fostering effective character education in the nation’s schools.
For more information about CEP, the NSOC program, the 11 principles, or the national forum, visit character.org.