Data collected from approximately 3,000 elementary and 7th grade students
showed a 250% lower level of discipline
and behavior problems in the classroom when compared with the matched
non-program schools. When problems did
occur among children, they were less serious and more likely to be resolved
among themselves.
Students who
had been involved in the program for four years prior
to seventh
grade scored higher on the personal standards scale, lower on
rebelliousness, higher on personal efficacy, higher on ethical behavior, and
higher on the concept of ethical behavior having a positive effect on
their future.
Comparison between seventh grade
students (who had four years of Character Education during elementary
school) and non- program students also showed a reduction in alcohol
experimentation (142% lower), tobacco experimentation (148% lower), and a
ten-fold decrease in drug experimentation.
Comparison between program and
non-program students also showed an increase in respect and care of school
properties.
