FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2006
CONTACT: Lindsey Mask or Steve Forde
Telephone: (202) 225-4527

U.S. House Committee Hears from

Golf Legend Jack Nicklaus, School Officials

on Character Education

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House Committee on Education & the Workforce, chaired by Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), today heard testimony from golf legend Jack Nicklaus and others on character-building instruction and integrating character education into school curriculum.  Character education typically includes direct instruction and other efforts that promote values such as responsibility, respect, trust, hard work, and civic engagement.  Nicklaus, honorary co-chairman of the character education initiative, The First Tee, joined educators in discussing the challenges and successes of character education programs.

 

“The First Tee uses the game of golf to teach youngsters skills that enable them to incorporate positive values into their behaviors,” Nicklaus explained.  “The First Tee is based upon nine core values: honesty, responsibility, respect, judgment, courtesy, perseverance, integrity, confidence, and sportsmanship; and our Life Skills curriculum ensures that every youngster who comes to The First Tee is taught more than the game of golf.”

 

Nicklaus continued, “At a time when we need to do everything we can to promote positive values in our children, particularly thinking beyond themselves and caring for others, The First Tee has adopted that mission and is doing it effectively.”

 

The First Tee and similar programs – coupled with the work schools are doing to promote character education – are designed to expand the possibilities for personal growth in U.S. students.

 

“It’s clear that public, private, and non-profit organizations are working each day to build character education in our nation’s youth, and I’m pleased our Committee was able to provide them a platform to highlight their efforts,” noted McKeon.  “Far too many children throughout the United States face difficult circumstances – from poverty and violence to drugs and alcohol.  And character education plays a valuable role in helping them overcome these obstacles.”

 

Sharon Aldredge, principal of Woodley Hills Elementary School in Fairfax County, Virginia, discussed the success of incorporating character education into the curriculum of her school.

 

“The one factor that changed was the implementation of a character education initiative that involved every member of the school community,” Aldredge said.  “The students, office staff, custodians, parents, teachers, cafeteria employees, and administrators developed a shared vision and became responsible for modeling and integrating character education into every aspect of the school environment.”

 

Underscoring the positive results of the character education efforts, Aldredge continued, “In 2001, Woodley Hills was named a ‘National School of Character’ by the Character Education Partnership organization.  Our scores on the Virginia Standards of Learning tests are now at 80th and 90th percentile.  Discipline problems are almost nonexistent in the school, with only three to five suspensions a year.  Our children are happy to come to school, and they understand why we are teaching character education.”

 

McKeon noted Congress’ increased support for character education initiatives as well.  This year alone, character education programs under the No Child Left Behind Act have been funded at nearly $25 million.

 

 “Through the No Child Left Behind Act, Congress has stepped forward in promoting character education,” concluded McKeon.  “The law establishes competitive grants for states and local school districts for character education programs that can be integrated into classroom instruction.  And scores of schools also are developing character education curriculum independent of this federal program.  Many schools, like Woodley Hills, who have implemented these types of initiatives have reported rising test scores and improved student behavior.”

 

 The First Tee is a nationwide nonprofit youth development program that was founded in 1997.  The programs are community-based and implemented through a partnership of parents, civic and corporate leaders, state and local governments, youth-serving agencies, schools, and the golfing community.   More information about The First Tee programs can be found on the Internet at http://www.thefirsttee.org. 

 

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