About the Intervention
Lessons in Character is a character education curriculum designed to promote elementary and middle school students' knowledge about core character education values and shape positive behaviors to support academic success. The program consists of 24 lessons organized around weekly themes, taught through stories, writing activities, and class projects in regular classrooms. Teachers introduce each week's theme with a story that shows a value in action, then students engage with the topic through various activities. The program also includes daily oral language development and weekly writing assignments as optional components. Materials are available in English or Spanish. Teachers are encouraged to attend training workshops held by the developer, study author, or trained school staff, with workshops ranging from half a day to two full days.
Statistical Findings
No effect: on citizenship grades
Positive effect: on mathematics grades
Positive effect: on attendance
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
Social-Emotional LearningPrograms & Services
General EducationDelivery Methods
Face-to-FaceDisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s), Teachers/Instructional TeamsCitation
U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, What Works Clearinghouse. (2006). Lessons in Character. Retrieved from https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/WWC/intervention/187.
Study Demographics
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Participant Race
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Participant Gender
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Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
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