A Correlation Study Between Professional Development and Character Education Implementation

Abstract

This study focused on the need and importance of teacher training in character education program implementation. Specifically, a correlation quantitative study was done to examine the relationship between professional development and teacher training to character education program implementation. Participants were sent a survey to rate their perception of professional development and their implementation on character education. Data was collected from certified middle school teachers and analyzed using correlation statistics such as frequency distributions, Pearson product-moment coefficient (Pearson r) and One-way ANOVA. The discussion summarizes the findings, and discusses implications relative to the relationship between character education implementation to professional development. The study showed that teachers who understand and have had professional development in character education were more likely to implement character education strategies and skills into the classroom. The study is a step up in the effort of professional development to character education implementation with a goal of contributing to training and equipping future teachers for character education.