HF 836

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 02/22/2018 05:06pm

A bill for an act
relating to education; modifying character development education responsibilities;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 120B.232, subdivision 1.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 120B.232, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Character development education.

(a) new text begin Character education is the shared
responsibility of parents, teachers, and members of the community, who jointly support
positive character development. new text end The legislature encourages districts to integrate or offer
instruction on character education including, but not limited to, character qualities such as
attentiveness, truthfulness, respect for authority, diligence, gratefulness, self-discipline,
patience, forgiveness, respect for others, peacemaking, and resourcefulness. Instruction
should be integrated into a district's existing programs, curriculum, or the general school
environment. The commissioner shall provide assistance at the request of a district to develop
character education curriculum and programs.

(b) Character development education under paragraph (a) may include a voluntary
elementary, middle, and high school program that incorporates the history and values of
Congressional Medal of Honor recipients and may be offered as part of the social studies,
English language arts, or other curriculum, as a schoolwide character building and veteran
awareness initiative, or as an after-school program, among other possibilities.