Parents and teachers can work together to create a positive school culture.  Both are on the same team in wanting school success and life success for their children/students. The important thing is to embrace that nothing significant is achieved without a commitment to character.   Parents and teachers can be on the same page regarding the expectation of good character without agreeing on all the terms for success.   With a little discussion and articulation, thoughtful faculties can present Success Traits that are irrefutable and resolute.

Giving grades for good character in schools will foster a more positive and supportive learning environment. When students know that terms such as generosity, persistence, and responsibility are valued as highly as academic achievements, they are more likely to adopt these traits as their own. Rewarding good character not only recognizes the student who consistently demonstrates positive behavior but also motivates others to follow the example. Schools that prioritize character development help build a culture of collaboration and mutual respect, which are essential qualities for both personal growth and community well-being.

By grading for character, schools can encourage students to understand the impact of their actions on others and to take responsibility for their behavior. This practice helps students develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence, which are crucial skills for success in all areas of life. When students receive feedback on their character, they gain a clearer understanding of their strengths and areas for improvement beyond academics. For example, a student who may not excel in traditional subjects but demonstrates exceptional empathy and teamwork skills can feel valued for those strengths. Recognizing these traits can help students feel more balanced and confident, knowing that their contributions to a positive school atmosphere are acknowledged.

Furthermore, giving grades for good character prepares students for the real world, where qualities like integrity and responsibility are highly valued. In workplaces and social settings, good character often plays a crucial role in forming relationships, building trust, and achieving success. By teaching and assessing character from a young age, schools and families can equip students with a foundation of values that will serve them well throughout their lives. While academic grades measure knowledge, character grades measure personal growth, resilience, and integrity, helping to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to society. This leads to reduced instances of bullying, improved peer relationships, and a stronger sense of belonging.

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Coming Next Wednesday- The Role of Character in Success

 From our first posting:

“As parents and teachers, we need to reclaim our traditional role as influencers of our children – not by shouting louder than the influencers our children discover online, but by stressing ideas that are more important than fancy shoes and snappy TikTok tunes. We need to emphasize traits that everyone agrees children will honor.  We need to convince our children that the people who are most important to them have a better understanding of what it takes to be successful in life.”

John Zurn began his educational career teaching fourth, fifth, and sixth grade children in K through 8^th grade independent school settings.   He went on to serve as Head of School for three independent schools over a twenty-eight year period.   John has written a book on a comprehensive school-wide character education program which was published in 2022 and updated in 2024.  He is currently working on a book directed towards teaching Traits for Success to students in grades 4 through 8.

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