Character Education in Georgia and the Mighty 8TH A.F. Museum

Character Education in Georgia and the Mighty 8th A.F. Museum

(Adapted from Heritage News, Fall 2000)

In school systems throughout Georgia, Character Education is now required curriculum. Section 20-2-145 of the Georgia Code requires all students from kindergarten through high school to participate in character education programs that focus on twenty-seven character traits. These traits were developed from surveys of what Georgia parents wanted their children to be taught in school.

THE 27 CHARACTER TRAITS:

Respect for the Creator

Respect for Others

Honesty, Citizenship

Courage, Patriotism

Fairness, Kindness

Cooperation, Self-respect

Self-control, Courtesy

Compassion, Tolerance

Diligence, Cleanliness

Generosity, Punctuality

Virtue, Cheerfulness

Patience, School Pride

Creativity, Sportsmanship

Loyalty, Perseverance

Respect for the Environment

Working in partnership with the Georgia Department of Education and the Georgia Humanities Council, The Mighty Eighth Air Force Heritage Museum was designated the first Center for Character Education in Georgia. With acharacter education exhibit and exhibit galleries that provide examples of the ethical values that form the cultural legacy of the United States.

The Museum's Character Education exhibit uses original World War II Eighth Air Force photographs from the Museum Archives to demonstrate what each trait looks like in practice. For example, a debriefing interview illustrates honesty, and students learn that these interviews provided vital information about enemy tactics and weapons.

There is more on this in an article, "A Museum That Teaches Character," published in the Parade Magazine, 4Feb01, p11. It also has a picture of Vivian Rogers-Price, shown at the right. She is the daughter of George Rogers, highlighted in my article on The Bridge at Remagen .