In a letter addressed to educators across the state dated May 28, 2002, Gov. Mike Easley reviewed progress in the state's public schools. He states, "We are leading the nation in gains in student achievement in math and in improving teacher quality." He then states that one of his priorities is to ensure that character education is a part of every student's learning experience. Toward that end he points with pride to the Student Citizen Act of 2001, which directs school systems and their communities to develop and implement character education programs for their schools and students.

The governor's affirmation of character education was echoed by Phillip Kirk, chairman of the North Carolina State Board of Education, and Mike Ward, the state superintendent of the Public Schools of North Carolina. The declared enthusiasm on the part of these three state leaders is cause for considerable celebration for educators across the state and for all who believe in the fundamental principles of character education.

From the time of the early Greeks well into the 1960s, education had a dual responsibility. Teachers and schools were concerned with both subject content and student character. It was thought that it was not enough just to master subject matter. It was also critical that the conduct of students be influenced by important community values. It was a time-honored form of education, until the mid-60s.

Then something happened to change that dual outlook. "They," whoever "they" are, determined that individual character is the responsibility of the family, and surely it is. "They" determined that character education is the responsibility of the faith community, and surely it is. But "they" also declared that character is not the responsibility of public schools and should not be included in the public school program. That is when things began to change. It is not necessary to list the schools and states where issues of character development resulted in slashing and blasting in public schools, teenagers on death row, and the character of the people being seriously challenged as never before. Is it just a coincidence? Is there something to this character education issue?

What is character education? Character education is a concept that all appear to support though few may fully understand its implications. Character education is a national movement "creating schools that foster ethical, responsible and caring young people by modeling and teaching good character through an emphasis on universal values that we all share."

Statistical evidence demonstrating the benefits of character education is too new to be conclusive. Yet, it is maintained by many that character education may effectively address such critical concerns as student absenteeism, discipline problems, drug abuse, gang violence, teen pregnancy and poor academic performance. At its best, character education integrates positive values into every aspect of the school day.

Character education can lead individuals to act upon core ethical values. It promotes character development by examining the ethical issues within the existing curriculum. It addresses issues concerning conflict resolution, thus creating safer schools that are free of intimidation, fear and violence and are more conducive to learning.

How can character education become a part of every school district in the state? That is the legislated mandate. Its implementation requires a partnership between the school district and the community itself. Only this collaborative approach can assure its integration into the existing curriculum of the school and the students' experience of those values in the community.

Character education. The Greeks were not wrong about this.