MN HF3167

Legislature encourages school districts to integrate character development education into existing programs, including instruction on qualities such as attentiveness, truthfulness, respect for authority, diligence, gratefulness, self-discipline, patience, forgiveness, respect for others, peacemaking, and resourcefulness.

Allows districts to offer a voluntary elementary, middle, and high school program incorporating the history and values of Congressional Medal of Honor recipients as part of social studies, English language arts, or other curriculum, including as a schoolwide character building and veteran awareness initiative or after-school program.

Staff development opportunities may include training in character development education that incorporates Congressional Medal of Honor history and values, provided without cost to interested schools or districts.

Local continuing education committees are encouraged to approve up to six clock hours of continuing education credit for licensed teachers who complete the character development training.

Commissioner must first use available federal funds under U.S. Code title 20, section 7247 for character development programs; districts may also accept funds from private and public sources, including the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.