Term
Summer 2026
Capstone
Capstone Project
Degree Name
MALED
Facilitator(s)
Karen Moroz
Content Expert
Cynthia Diessner and Phillip Pendergrass
Abstract
The research question addressed in this capstone is: How does character development support academic success and student resilience? Literature regarding character development led to the development of this curriculum, aimed at addressing specific skill deficits within a set of character traits with the desired outcome of improving student success and resilience that will support them in high school and in their years to follow. The target audience is secondary students, specifically within special education. The curriculum features a four-unit, year-long set of weekly lessons which incorporate mindfulness meditation, journal prompt, social stories, and discussion prompts, while connecting each skill to the corresponding character trait. The introduction of each character trait progresses from internal trait development to external, empowering students to use their skills and abilities for the betterment of their communities and society as a whole. This promotes equity by utilizing culturally responsive, relatable social stories to contribute to life-long success and resilience, thus empowering students to have self-efficacy, autonomy over their decisions and success, and a desire to be a part of a stronger community.
Project Type
Curriculum
Keywords
At-risk Students, Character Education, Curriculum, Special Education
Recommended Citation
Fairchild, Vanessa, "Cultivating Excellence: Empowering Student Success and Resilience Through Character Development" (2026). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects. 1217.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/1217
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
School of Education Student Capstone Projects