Keep It Simple, Make It Real
Character Development in Grades 6-12
- Jan Olsson - Huntsville High School
Foreword by Philip Fitch Vincent
Unlike many existing models for character development, the book's approach addresses the underlying factors that limit students' interest and/or desire to develop positive attitudes and behaviours. These elements include students' perceptions about their physical, emotional, and intellectual environments, and how those environments are influenced by the relationships with their principals, teachers, and each other.
Based on research, best practices, and the author's more than 30 years in education, Keep It Simple, Make It Real: Character Development in Grades 6-12 gives educators a powerful tool for influencing students' attitudes and behaviours.
“Jan Olsson uses his experience as a teacher and administrator to offer educators and community leaders a must-read, what-works-and-what-doesn’t book on character development in schools. This exceptionally well-organized, practical, and very impressive work should be on every administrator’s and character educator’s desk. Olsson redefines the lens through which educators view the factors that impact school climate, teacher-student relationships, student behavior, and ultimately the character development of young people.”
"This is a book that's been needed in the character education movement for a long time, one written by a principal who's been leading the way. Jan Olsson lives up to his title by keeping it simple and by keeping it real while showing us how we can help junior high and high school students develop their character without sacrificing academic standards. It's easy to read, well organized, and, most important, contains hundreds of practical strategies that work."
"Nuts-and-bolts advice supported by real-life examples makes Jan Olsson’s how-to manual an invaluable tool for school leaders. There are gems of wisdom here you won’t find in other character education guides."