Price Laboratory School Citizenship Program: A Qualitative Assessment

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Elementary Citizenship/Character Education Program at Price Laboratory School and its impact on students and classroom climate. Relying upon qualitative methodologies, parents, teachers and students were administered paper and pencil surveys requiring open-ended responses. In addition, one parent and five teachers were interviewed regarding their perceptions of the effectiveness of the PLS Citizenship Program and its impact on the moral development of elementary students at PLS. Questions guiding this study focused on the following: 1) What is a good citizen? 2) To what degree do PLS students display good citizenship? 3) In what areas do PLS students need to improve in demonstrating good citizenship? 4) To what degree is the PLS Citizenship Program an effective tool in building citizenship behaviors in the lives of students? 5) What classroom qualities reinforce these citizenship ideals?

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