The Character Education Program Instruction Grant was created pursuant to A.R.S. 15-719, which states in relevant part: A. Each common, high and unified school district and charter school may provide instruction to kindergarten programs through the twelfth grade on character development. B. Each district may develop its own course of study for each grade. At a minimum, the character education program must include: 1. Instruction in the definition and application of at least six of the following character traits: truthfulness, responsibility, compassion, diligence, sincerity, trustworthiness, respect, attentiveness, obedience, orderliness, forgiveness, virtue, fairness, caring, citizenship and integrity. 2. The use of activities, discussions and visual media and literacy presentations to illustrate and reinforce the application of the character traits. 3. Presentations by teachers or mentors who demonstrate the character traits. C. At the request of the school district or charter school, the department of education may certify that the school district or charter school has a character development instruction program that meets all of the requirements in subsection B of this section. D. Parents may elect for their child not to participate in the program. E. The school district or charter school may accept donations or charge fees for the program if the program is not offered during regular school hours.
