GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1995

S	3 

SENATE BILL 1078
Second Edition Engrossed 5/9/95
House Committee Substitute Favorable 6/12/95

Short Title:  Character Education Required.	(Public)

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Sponsors:

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Referred to:  

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May 4, 1995

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE INSTRUCTION IN CHARACTER EDUCATION.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  G.S. 115C-81 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
"( h)	Character Education. – Local boards of education shall require the teaching of the following character traits in the public schools:
(1)	Courage. – Having the determination to do the right thing even when others don't and  the strength to follow your conscience rather than the crowd; and attempting difficult things that are worthwhile.
(2)	Good judgment. – Choosing worthy goals and setting proper priorities; thinking through the consequences of your actions; and basing decisions on practical wisdom and good sense.
(3)	Integrity. – Having the inner strength to be truthful, trustworthy, and honest in all things; acting justly and honorably.
(4)	Kindness. – Being considerate, courteous, helpful, and understanding of others; showing care, compassion, friendship, and generosity; and treating others as you would like to be treated.
(5)	Perseverance. – Being persistent in the pursuit of worthy objectives in spite of difficulty, opposition, or discouragement; and exhibiting patience and having the fortitude to try again when confronted with delays, mistakes, or failures.
(6)	Respect. – Showing high regard for authority, for other people, for self, for property, and for country; and understanding that all people have value as human beings.
(7)	Responsibility. – Being dependable in carrying out obligations and duties;  showing reliability and consistency in words and conduct; being accountable for your own actions; and being committed to active involvement in your community.
(8)	Self-Discipline. – Demonstrating hard work and commitment to purpose; regulating yourself for improvement and restraining from inappropriate behaviors; being in proper control of your words, actions, impulses, and desires;  choosing abstinence from premarital sex, drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances and behaviors; and doing your best in all situations."
Sec. 2.  This act is effective upon ratification and applies to all school years beginning with the 1995-96 school year.