More and more emphasis is being placed on character development. How is the Westside District doing?
In the mid-90's a coalition was formed in the Antelope Valley between the schools and the business community. I
was one who represented Lancaster schools in that coalition. After two years of study, it was determined that students entering the job market had a high failure rate, linked primarily to their failure to be responsible, respectful, trustworthy and fair. Any school or district which fails to address a systematic process of instilling
(hopefully, reinforcing the parents efforts) these qualities in its students, will be graduating youth often destined to fail, both in the workplace and in other facets of society that require these personal characteristics. I believe our data showed 70% of the students lacked one or more of these qualities in the workplace. This needs to be addressed and given the necessary emphasis and resources. The high schools understand this and have enthusiastically endorsed the 'Character Counts' programs.
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