Mcguinty Government Supports Character Development In Schools

Ontario is introducing a new initiative that will support character building in schools and inspire students to become caring and contributing citizens, announced Premier Dalton McGuinty.

"Education is about more than reading, writing and creating good workers," said Premier McGuinty. "At its heart, it's about developing well-rounded citizens who will help build a strong, caring and compassionate society."

The Premier made his comments today at a provincial symposium that brought together 700 students, teachers, educators, trustees and community leaders to exchange ideas on how to better engage young people in schools.

At the conference, Premier McGuinty announced that the government is investing $2 million in a new Character Development Initiative -- a program that makes character building an integral part of learning.

Over the next year, teams of experts will be mobilized in communities across the province. These teams will work with parents, students and educators to identify the best ways to build character in schools. This information will be shared with school boards across Ontario. New or enhanced character development programs are expected to be in place for the 2007-08 school year.

Part of a school's character education program could include promoting more teamwork and cooperation among students or encouraging students to get involved in the democratic process. Programs will also empower schools to reinforce shared community values such as respect, fairness, honesty and responsibility.

"Studies show that character development goes hand-in-hand with a strong academic program," said Education Minister Kathleen Wynne. "By treating students as citizens who can make a difference, we can create a school environment where civic responsibility and academic achievement thrive."

"Students have so many influences in their lives that can steer them in different directions," said Dr. Avis Glaze, Ontario's Chief Student Achievement Officer and CEO of the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat. "The publicly funded education system must show leadership by standing tall and promoting the universal attributes that Ontarians share."

Inspiring students to become well-rounded citizens is just the latest example of how the McGuinty government is working on the side of Ontario families who want the best education for their kids. Other initiatives include:

• Funding 3,600 more teachers so our youngest students get more individual attention
• Providing funding for one million new textbooks and library resources
• Creating better places to learn by repairing, upgrading or replacing schools throughout the province.

"Together, we're going to make developing the character of our young people a priority in Ontario," said Premier McGuinty. "And by helping them to become caring, contributing and involved citizens, we're building a better province, a stronger society and a brighter future for all of us."