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OPCE participates in the State Schools of Character (SSOC) competition in partnership with the Character Education Partnership’s (CEP) National Schools of Character Awards program. The goal of the National Schools of Character (NSOC) awards program is to recognize all schools and districts that demonstrate an exemplary level of implementation of Character Education Partnership’s Eleven Principles of Character Education.
Ohio is one of 30 states that offer a State School of Character (SSOC) competition as a preliminary step to advancing to the NSOC awards. This tiered approach allows Ohio schools and districts to be recognized at the state level, and in addition, provides exemplary sites to serve as state models and mentors.
The SSOC and the NSOC applications are identical, the only difference is that the SSOC applications are evaluated first by state judging panels and only state finalists who reach certain criteria are sent forward to the NSOC competition. This process helps develop in-state expertise and provides mentoring for aspiring NSOC applicants.
All applications are judged on how well they exemplify CEP’s Eleven Principles of Character Education, a rigorous standard for not only exemplary character education, but also best educational practice in general. Schools use CEP’s Eleven Principles to self-evaluate and improve their programs.
OPCE offers an application workshop as part of the annual conference and awards program for the Ohio Schools of Character awardees.
Beginning in 2011, SSOC winners will hold their designation for three years. Being an SSOC winner qualifies an applicant to be considered for the NSOC award.
The 2013 SSOC application will be available in Spring 2012, click here for more information on the application process.