CHARACTER COUNTS!SM the Basics The Pillars and Beyond

What do Folks say about Character? “Intelligence plus character -- that is the goal of true education.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr “To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.” Theodore Roosevelt “What is right is right, even if no one is doing it. What is wrong is wrong, even is everyone is doing it.” Unknown

Teachers affect all eternity. You never know where the influence stops. Henry Adams

Why Should 4-H Be Involved? What Does the Research Say? Values-based Education conducted in only one area of a young person’s life is not effective. Message must come from multiple areas. Message must be clear and consistent. Adults and Educators must not only teach these message but must also model.

Mission of this Innovation Develop School Communities that Value, Teach and Exercise Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.

Local Goals of this Curriculum Support Parents and Guardians in the development of character in young people. Create a Positive School Community that supports Learning and Development. Develop Students to become Successful and Contributing Members of Society. Reinforce the need for a caring citizenry with good moral character.

Implementation of the Character Counts! Curriculum Curriculum involves entire school community Counselors will implement curriculum Curriculum will be reinforced in all subject areas Implementation will take place in all county elementary and middle schools (plans in the works for high schools)

T - Teach E - Enforce A - Advocate M - Model T.E.A.M. Approach (Develop Serious Substantive Stuff) E - Enforce (Positive and Negative Consequences) A - Advocate (Promote the Ideals of Program) M - Model (Demonstrate Through Your Actions)

6 Pillars T - Trustworthiness R - Respect R - Responsibility F - Fairness C - Caring C - Citizenship

Trustworthiness Color - Blue (A person is true blue.) Key Terms - Integrity Honesty Promise-Keeping Loyalty

Trustworthiness Be Honest Tell the Truth Keep Promises Be Reliable - Do What You Say You will Do Have the Courage to Do the Right Thing Be Loyal so People can Trust You

Respect Color - Yellow (for the Golden Rule) Key Terms - Golden Rule Tolerance Nonviolence Courtesy

Respect Treat other with Respect Follow the Golden Rule Be Tolerant of Differences Use Good Manners, not Bad Language Be Considerate of the Feeling of Others

Responsibility Color - Green ( for Growing) Key Terms - Duty Accountability Pursue Excellence Self-Control

Responsibility Do What You are Supposed to Do Always Do Your Best Use Self Control; Self-Discipline Think Before you Act Be Accountable for Your Choices

Fairness Color - Orange (divide an orange) Key Terms - Justice Openness

Fairness Play by the Rules Take Turns and Share Be Open-Minded, Listen to Others Don’t Take Advantage of Other Don’t Blame Others Carelessly

Caring Color - Red (for the heart) Key Terms - Concern for Others Charity

Caring Be Kind Be Compassionate and Show You Care Express Gratitude Forgive Others Help People in Need

Citizenship Color - Purple (purple heart award) Key Terms - Do Your Share Respect Authority and the Law

Citizenship Do Your Share to Make your School and Community Better Cooperate Be a Good Neighbor Obey and Follow Rules Protect the Environment

Decision Making 1. Consider Stakeholders 2. Think Through 6 Pillars 3. Caught Between 2 Pillars

5. Take a Look at the Long Run Decision Making 4. Examine Your Values 5. Take a Look at the Long Run