Hanford Elementary School District
Project CARE

Contact Information: Karen McConnell, Project Director
Hanford Elementary School District
P.O. Box 1067
Hanford, CA 93232-1067
Web site: www.hesd.k12.ca.us
Grant Period: 2006-2010
Amount Requested: $2,000,000 for a four-year project

Program Description
Project CARE (Concern, Awareness and Responsiveness for Everyone) will implement a comprehensive character education program based on CHARACTER COUNTS!™ curriculum and after-school activities in Hanford Elementary School District’s schools. CHARACTER COUNTS!™ Character Development Seminars will provide leadership training for school and community leadership team adults, including three character coaches and the nine READY tutors who oversee the after-school programs. These leaders will, in turn, train classroom and after-school teachers and classified staff. Hanford Family Resource Center will assist with parent training activities. The project will serve approximately 4,300 students grades K-6 and 375 teachers and staff members in the nine treatment schools.

Goals and Objectives

• To improve student knowledge and demonstration of ethical behaviors
• To decrease incidences of student negative behaviors, referrals and suspensions
• To increase student, parent and teacher satisfaction with Project CARE
• To improve academic achievement

Evaluation Design
Project CARE will use a quasi-experimental interrupted time-series evaluation design. Quantitative data such as discipline referrals, suspensions and achievement data; and qualitative data from surveys and focus group interviews will be analyzed for evidence of change.