Keep It Simple, Make It Real

Jan Olsson has been an elementary and secondary teacher, a high school department head in physical and health education and student services, a vice-principal, and for the past two years was chairperson of the Trillium Lakelands District school board's character development committee. Currently, he is principal of Huntsville High School and co-chair of Schools That Shine with Character, a national character education conference organized by Huntsville High School. Olsson completed his master's of character education at the University of San Diego. He is also a professional musician, a basketball coach of 25 years, and enjoys speaking on topics related to character education. Olsson is specifically interested in school-based administration and interpersonal relationships, and the impact that modeling character development can have on creating a positive school climate. Keep It Simple, Make It Real: Character Development in Grades 6-12 is his first book.

Foreword by Philip Fitch Vincent Preface Acknowledgments About the Author 1. Living, Learning, and Leading in Harmony: Character Development in Middle and Secondary Schools Current Perspectives on Character Development Introduction Current Perspectives on Character Development Academic Achievement and Students' Beliefs, Attitudes, and Behaviors Keept It Simple, Make It Real A Character Development Framework for Schools Some Final Thoughts Quotes 2. Safe and Inviting Physical Environment: Physical Environments That Change Behavior Aspects of the Physical Environment That Impact On Achievement and Character Development Aspects of the Physical Environment Affecting Health Aspects of the Environment Affecting Safety Aspects of the Physical Environment Affecting Physiological Needs Aspects of the Physical Environment Affecting Morale Some Final Thoughts Quotes 3. Modeling Good Character: The Role of Principals and Teachers Introduction Modeling the Three Es The First E: The Power of Experience The Second E: The Power of Exchange The Third E: The Power of Empowerment Some Final Thoughts Quotes 4. Establishing Rules and Procedures for Civility: Creating a Positive School and Classroom Environment Introduction The Need for Discipline in Establishing a Positive School Climate Progressive Discipline Positive Behavioral Interventions, Supports, and Consequences Some Final Thoughts Quotes 5. Making Curricular Connections: Teaching Opportunities That Connect Student Learning to Character Development Introduction Curriculum Priorities in Character Development The R.I.T.E. of Curriculum Passage Curricular and Cocurricular Opportunities That Connect Student Learning to Character Development Some Final Thoughts Quotes 6. Assessing Character Development Introduction Monitoring Character Development Creating the Assessment Tool Some Final Thoughts Quotes Resource A: Sample Character Development Framework for Schools: Trillium Lakelands District School Board Resource B: Sample Assessment and Evaluation Tools for the Character Development Framework for Schools Resource C: Sample Strategic Plan for Schoolwide Character Development Resource D: Sample Lesson Plans Resource E: Sample Assessment and Evaluation Poster Embedding Character Development Resource F: Sample Code of Behavior References

"Jan Olsson uses his experience as a teacher and administrator to offer educators and community leaders a must-read, what-works-and-what-doesn't book on character development in schools. This exceptionally well-organized, practical, and very impressive work should be on every administrator's and character educator's desk. Olsson redefines the lens through which educators view the factors that impact school climate, teacher-student relationships, student behavior, and ultimately the character development of young people." -- Edward DeRoche, Director "This is a book that's been needed in the character education movement for a long time, one written by a principal who's been leading the way. Jan Olsson lives up to his title by keeping it simple and by keeping it real while showing us how we can help junior high and high school students develop their character without sacrificing academic standards. It's easy to read, well organized, and, most important, contains hundreds of practical strategies that work." -- Hal Urban, Teacher and Speaker "Nuts-and-bolts advice supported by real-life examples makes Jan Olsson's how-to manual an invaluable tool for school leaders. There are gems of wisdom here you won't find in other character education guides." -- Tom Lickona, Director, Center for the 4th and 5th Rs