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.
