[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17961]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 17961]]

                          EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

   EXPRESSING SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL 
                         CHARACTER COUNTS WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 24, 2001

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of establishing a 
National Character Counts week. Developing strong character in our 
children today ensures the foundation of our Nation for the future.
  Today's youth experience events that were unimaginable 40 or 50 years 
ago. Public scandals, violence by and against youth, and now for the 
first time in their lives they have seen a hatred for the character of 
our Nation. This exposure to negative influences threaten their 
physical and psychological well-being. Recognizing the importance of 
strength of character through this legislation can help us combat these 
negative influences.
  I support funding character education and I am pleased that the 
reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act included 
language authorizing the Secretary of Education to make grants for the 
design and implementation of character education programs. Our youth 
deserve our support for developing the strength of character necessary 
to maintain a strong nation.
  Maryland has been a shining example of the benefits character 
education programs bring to schools. Three Maryland schools have been 
recognized as National Schools of Character under the Character 
Education Partnership. In fact, these schools reduced the number of 
discipline referrals and suspensions, within a caring learning 
environment. Also, as a result of the program, student test scores and 
parent involvement in student education increased.
  Character education programs help students identify and develop 
character traits that prepare them for life. Through trustworthiness, 
respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship, and honesty, 
our children can possess the tools for leadership. In addition, the 
programs recognize that character development does not necessarily 
begin at school, but rather at home with parents and family.
  It is the responsibility of all adults to demonstrate good character 
traits to our young people. This includes faith communities, schools, 
and youth, civic, and human service organizations. All of us are 
responsible for the character and conduct of our young people because 
each of us reflects the values of our society.
  Therefore, I urge all Members to support this legislation and 
encourage schools around the Nation to participate in character 
education programs, and our young people to become responsible citizens 
for today and tomorrow.

                          ____________________