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Character Education

In describing what Character Education means, Malcolm Gauld, President of Hyde Schools, stated very simply "who we are matters more than what we can do. Placing and recognizing values and qualities such as courage, leadership, curiosity and concern for others is important here, along with attitude over aptitude." Malcolm Gauld, a Hyde graduate himself and the oldest child of Hyde's founder, Joseph Gauld, is a Harvard graduate with a master's in Education, the co-author with his wife Laura, of The Biggest Job We'll Ever Have and the author of College Success Guaranteed- 5 Rules to Make it Happen, was today's guest on Lon Woodbury's Internet Talk Radio Show "Parent Choices for Struggling Teens" January 16, 2012 on LATalkRadio.

A key "secret weapon" in building character at the Hyde Schools is the use of the "Brother's Keeper" concept or in lay mans terms, an honor code, but at a much deeper level. Malcolm believes this is perhaps one of the hardest concepts for the students to adopt, but is certainly the most important. In putting this concept to use, students help each other achieve their personal best. "You can't go through this life alone; we need others to help push us to where we want to go." Utilizing the Brother's Keeper concept, students are challenged to do their best by their peers and themselves, and by participating in academics, athletics, performing arts and community service, getting out of their comfort zones and being encouraged by their peers. As Malcolm states "character is inspired, not imparted, giving values by forming challenges and to show each kid what their best is, if they choose to do it. Most importantly, teachers and parents need to be honest as role models; it is a critical element in getting kids to change."

When asked about parenting skills, Malcolm referred to his book "The Biggest Job We'll Ever Have" and believes the number one priority is truth over harmony. "I see that parents are very concerned with having a relationship with their kids, and place more value on the harmony, or being their friend or buddy, rather than being "the Parent." They need to stop focusing on the kids and focus on themselves as people." Jokingly he shared with Lon, "we have gone beyond helicopter parents, now they are being called Snow Plow parents."

To listen to the whole interview, go to Character Education.

Lon Woodbury as an Independent Educational Consultant is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Malcolm Gauld is the President of the Hyde Schools, located in Bathe, Maine and Woodstock, Connecticut, the Hyde Public Charter Schools in the Bronx, Brooklyn and New Haven and facilitates The Biggest Job Parent and Teacher Workshops. He is also the author of The Biggest Job We'll Ever Have and College Success Guaranteed- 5 Rules to make it Happen. Malcolm has just completed a series on the concepts of the Brothers Keeper on his blog, available on his website.

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