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Media
Kit: Resist Media
Kit: Research Media
Kit: Software |
Past
Press Release
DC
Public Schools Choose Ripple Effects as Character Education Model Program Ripple Effects software is designed to improve behavior, school climate, and academic performance. Using proven strategies, a responsive learning system, and engaging media and interactivity, it builds the social-emotional skills research has shown help students stay safe, healthy, and successful. "I'm a social worker. I'm a counselor. I didn't believe in using technology to deal with these issues. Until I saw this software," says Nora Dean, School Social Worker at Mann Elementary, one of the sites participating in the initiative. "This software can reach kids in ways I can't." DCPS chose the software because it matched to their guidelines for model character education programs. It's research-based. It covers all the issues identified as important to building character. Schools can use it systematically--it's not just a one-off kind of program, like an assembly. "Research has shown that such one-off events may be easy to put on, and make people feel good, but they do nothing to change behavior and build character," says Alice Ray, an expert in social learning and designer of Ripple Effects software. Another strength is that Ripple Effects programs include diverse images and voices that speak to the students DCPS serve. True stories of other young people provide real life role models kids can relate to, and diverse peer voices read aloud all program contents. The software also solves a critical problem that print materials can't--it lets users block topics to match local values. "Character education outside the home is a controversial issue." says Ray, who is a presidential appointee to a national youth violence prevention initiative. "Rather than going for the lowest common denominator so it'll work for both Biloxi and San Francisco, we include it all, and let individual communities block topics they feel aren't appropriate," she explains. "The research--including our own--shows a direct connection between improving behavior, and improving educational outcomes. But today's society also requires the skills character education teaches--they're core skills, not niceties," Ray says. A 2000 study by researchers from Columbia and NYU showed the Ripple Effects program for teens dramatically reduced aggressive behavior, increased prosocial behavior, and resulted in fewer remedial summer school referrals. Ripple Effects programs have won 18 major national awards, and are used in hundreds of schools and youth-serving organizations nationally. To find out more, visit the Ripple Effects web site at www.rippleeffects.com. Or call Ripple Effects toll free at (888) 259-6618. |
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