MN SF2778

Encourages school districts to integrate character education instruction covering qualities such as attentiveness, truthfulness, respect for authority, diligence, gratefulness, self-discipline, patience, forgiveness, respect for others, peacemaking, and resourcefulness into existing programs and curriculum.

Allows voluntary elementary, middle, and high school programs incorporating the history and values of Congressional Medal of Honor recipients to be offered as part of social studies, English language arts, schoolwide character building initiatives, or after-school programs.

Permits staff development opportunities to include training in character development education incorporating Congressional Medal of Honor recipient history and values, provided at no cost to interested schools or districts.

Encourages local continuing education committees to approve up to six clock hours of continuing education credit for licensed teachers completing the character development training.

Requires the commissioner to prioritize federal funds under United States Code title 20, section 7247 for character development programs, while allowing districts to accept private and public funding sources including the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.