Character education is increasingly recognized as vital for students’ holistic development. In Texas, this isn’t just a suggestion; it’s the law. The Texas Education Code mandates the integration of specific positive character traits and personal skills into the curriculum. But What Are Some Characteristics that Texas schools are required to teach?
Texas law specifies a range of positive character traits and personal skills that must be taught across different grade levels, from kindergarten to grade 12. These characteristics are designed to foster well-rounded individuals and responsible citizens. Here are some of the key characteristics:
Core Character Traits in Texas Education
Traits Focused on Inner Strength and Morality
- Courage: Enabling students to face challenges and stand up for what is right, even in difficult situations.
- Integrity: Emphasizing honesty and strong moral principles as a cornerstone of personal conduct.
- Trustworthiness: Building reliability through honesty, punctuality, and loyalty, essential for building strong relationships and communities.
Traits Related to Social Interactions and Respect
- Respect and Courtesy: Promoting polite behavior and consideration for others, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.
- Caring: Cultivating kindness, empathy, and compassion, encouraging students to be considerate and supportive of their peers and community. This includes patience, generosity, charity, and strong interpersonal skills.
- Fairness: Instilling a sense of justice and equality, teaching students to be free from prejudice and to treat everyone equitably.
Traits Emphasizing Responsibility and Citizenship
- Responsibility: Developing accountability, diligence, perseverance, self-management, and self-control, crucial for personal growth and achievement.
- Good Citizenship: Encouraging patriotism, concern for the common good, and community involvement. This also includes responsible decision-making and respect for authority and the law.
- School Pride: Fostering a sense of belonging and positive association with their educational institution.
- Gratitude: Teaching appreciation and thankfulness, promoting a positive outlook and recognition of kindness and support.
These character traits, mandated by the Texas Education Code and detailed in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), provide a framework for developing students into ethical, responsible, and contributing members of society. Schools in Texas are tasked with integrating these crucial characteristics into their teaching, ensuring that students not only gain academic knowledge but also cultivate strong moral foundations. For more detailed information, refer to the Texas Education Code and the Texas Administrative Code.
