CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT/BULLLYING PREVENTION (CDPB)
The Character Development Bullying Prevention Program engages elementary and middle school students in discussions and activities that teach the healthy values, life skills, and constructive behaviors needed by individuals to become successful members of a diverse, pluralistic society.
Program Content
Over 50% of hate crimes are committed by youth under the age of 18. Children who display prejudicial attitudes and anti-social behavior grow into teenagers who engage in hate speech and hate crime activities. The Character Development/PreventionBullying Program is designed to teach elementary and middle school students to value diversity, personal integrity, and civic participation as a proactive measure to create positive leaders who will work against hate speech and prejudicial behavior when they grow older.
When a school is free of bullying, students value language, race, cultural and ethnic differences and engage in positive, socially responsible behavior. In addition, a school-wide plan would be put in place that details clear and consistent behavioral expectations for all students, and encourages constructive ways to solve problems. Consequences for bullying behavior are clear and consistently enforced. Children who bully are given opportunities to make restitution to individuals, and to the school community.
The six hours of instruction are delivered in individual classrooms and cover:
Development of self-esteem as a product of responsible behavior
Cultivating integrity, trustworthiness, self-respect, honesty, and caring for others
Acknowledging and honoring differences, including those of culture, economics, age, physical appearance, and gender, and finding common ground to work cooperatively.
Respecting the rights of and treating all people fairly, regardless of personal differences.
Communication skills, identifying prejudice, and the effects and consequences of hate speech and actions.
- Discerning “Right” from “Wrong” and making difficult decisions, including resisting peer pressure and standing up for what is right
- Taking responsibility for actions
- Developing problem solving skills to reach fair and equitable solutions
- Goal setting, short and long-term planning, and development of self-discipline to work for goals Valuing citizenship and participation in society.
After the initial training is complete, students will receive booster trainings later in the school year to reinforce the concepts. Faculty will also receive training in the program concepts so that they can follow through with program concepts in their classrooms.
An additional six hours of instruction will be available for students who are at risk for gang involvement, hate-related activity, or violent behavior. These students and their parent/guardians will receive training in conflict resolution as well as character development.
Program Outcomes:
§ An increased tolerance for differences and a greater sense of community on the school campus
§ Increased Knowledge of generating options and informed decisions.
§ A reduction in the number classroom altercations.
§ A reduction in the number of referrals for disrespectful behavior, bullying, name calling, and profanity
§ A reduction in dishonest behavior, including lying, cheating, and stealing