Redesigning schools for effective character education through leadership: The case of PRIMED Institute and vLACE

Abstract

This paper presents two leadership training programs focused on redesigning schools to promote student character development and advocates for their suitability to promote character education in diverse cultural contexts. This is especially relevant for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers who are searching for replicable interventions to promote character development in schools, particularly in those countries where the character education movement has not arrived yet. It begins with the theoretical framework that lays the groundwork for these kinds of leadership programs. Second, it describes the PRIMED Institute in Character Education (PICE) and the virtual/video-based Leadership Academy in Character Education (vLACE) programs. Finally, it presents seven arguments in favor of these programs responding to the needs of schools in many different countries.