Additional Program Information

Developer and contact

Lessons in Character was developed by Dr. David Brooks. Distribution is through Young People's Press, 3033 5th Avenue, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92103. Web: www.youngpeoplespress.com. Email: info@youngpeoplespress.com. Telephone: 800-231-9774 (M–F, 8–5 PST).

Scope of use

Information is not available on the scope of use. Lessons in Character may have changed since the studies were conducted. The WWC recommends asking the developer for information about the most current version of this curriculum and taking into account that student demographics and school context may affect outcomes.

Teaching

The core curriculum for Lessons in Character consists of 24 lessons at each grade level. A "theme of the week" approach is used with stories, activities, daily and weekly writing assignments, and a class project. Teachers introduce the week's concept, read stories portraying that value in action, and engage students in targeted activities. Materials for students are available in English or Spanish.

The developer provides teaching resources such as binders with strategies, skills, suggestions, and techniques for teaching Lessons in Character. The teacher's guide provides the lesson's main idea, concrete objectives, and teaching strategies, and suggests that class projects center on the lessons' main ideas. Supplemental curriculum materials are also available for teachers to use in daily oral language development and weekly writing assignments. The materials are designed to enhance students' understanding of that week's core concept. Teachers are encouraged to attend a training workshop held by the developer, study author, or school staff trained by the developer. Training workshops may vary from half a day to two full days.

Cost

The costs of materials for a classroom—including books, teacher's edition, black line masters, posters, and so forth—range from about $195 to $370 depending on the grade level. An administrator's package is available for $139. According to the developer, the cost of a training workshop is $500 per day and may be individually negotiated based on the amount of materials purchased.

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