BILL NUMBER: ACR 144	CHAPTERED
	BILL TEXT

	RESOLUTION CHAPTER  84
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE  JULY 11, 2016
	ADOPTED IN SENATE  JUNE 30, 2016
	ADOPTED IN ASSEMBLY  APRIL 25, 2016

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Mullin

                        FEBRUARY 24, 2016

   Relative to character education in public schools.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   ACR 144, Mullin. Public schools: character education.
   This measure would urge the State Board of Education, county
offices of education, and local school governing bodies to increase
emphasis on character, citizenship, ethics, and the humane treatment
of living creatures in order to promote a humane and compassionate
society.



   WHEREAS, California's interest in character education has been
progressing since the 1980s, when Senator Albert Rodda initiated a
select bipartisan committee on character education, and interest has
since been further advanced by the Superintendent of Public
Instruction, the State Board of Education, presidents of the United
States, and, more recently, by state legislative and congressional
leaders; and
   WHEREAS, Section 233.5 of the Education Code authorizes the
provisions of character education, and requires each teacher, among
other things, to endeavor to promote kindness toward domestic pets
and the humane treatment of living creatures; and
   WHEREAS, Increasingly, the need for kindness toward animals,
whether they are pets, farm animals, or creatures in the wild, has
come to play a guiding role in the broader movement for a healthy and
humane world; and
   WHEREAS, All children deserve the privilege of learning about
animals, which fosters a sense of caring and is crucial in developing
a sense of civic responsibility and a more humane community; and
   WHEREAS, Good character, citizenship, and ethics are essential to
developing an inclusive society, restoring public confidence in our
institutions, and preparing literate, skilled, and responsible
participants in our schools, government, workplaces, and local
communities; and
   WHEREAS, Character education addresses common virtues and
behaviors that support respect, responsibility, trustworthiness,
justice, fairness, caring, giving, service, leadership, initiative,
and teamwork; and
   WHEREAS, Good character, citizenship, and ethics also relate to
the closing of the academic achievement and participation gaps that
currently exist between pupils in our public schools; and
   WHEREAS, Implementing California's Common Core academic content
standards may be enhanced by character education by increasing
commitment to instructional priorities, academic rigor, and
discipline, and may improve school performance and provide the
opportunity for full citizenship; and
   WHEREAS, Good character, citizenship, and ethics begin with good
role models and leadership in our homes, communities, and schools;
and
   WHEREAS, The character, citizenship, and ethics that are expected
in our society and government, and the rights, responsibilities, and
participation of citizens should be a continual and meaningful part
of character education for every pupil in prekindergarten through
grade 12; and
   WHEREAS, The importance of character, citizenship, and ethics
cannot be overestimated in establishing a positive school climate for
pupils, and is the shared responsibility of the entire education
community; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
thereof concurring, That the Legislature urges the State Board of
Education, county offices of education, and local school governing
bodies to increase emphasis on character, citizenship, ethics, and
the humane treatment of living creatures in order to promote a humane
and compassionate society; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of
this resolution to the State Board of Education, the Superintendent
of Public Instruction, boards of education and administrators of
county offices and school districts, and to the author for
distribution.