AL HB405

Requires comprehensive character education program instruction in grades K-12 in each public school, five times per week during the school year for at least 40 minutes per day.

Instruction shall focus on developing character traits including courage, patriotism, citizenship, honesty, fairness, respect, kindness, cooperation, self-control, courtesy, compassion, tolerance, diligence, generosity, and perseverance.

Requires each character education plan to include the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.

Program must address methods of discouraging bullying and violent acts against fellow students.

Local boards of education must certify annually to the State Board of Education that schools are meeting comprehensive character education program requirements.