CHARACTER COUNTS!CHARACTER COUNTS!SMSM the Basicsthe Basics
The Pillars and BeyondThe Pillars and BeyondThe Pillars and BeyondThe Pillars and Beyond
What do Folks say What do Folks say about Character?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
Why Should 4-HWhy Should 4-H Be Involved? Be Involved?
What Does the Research Say?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 InnovationMission of this Innovation Develop School Communities that
Value, Teach and Exercise Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.
Local Goals of this Local Goals of this CurriculumCurriculum
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 Implementation of the Character Counts! CurriculumCharacter 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 (Develop Serious Substantive Stuff)
E - Enforce (Positive and Negative Consequences)
A - Advocate (Promote the Ideals of Program)
M - Model (Demonstrate Through Your Actions)
6 Pillars6 Pillars T - Trustworthiness R - Respect R - Responsibility F - Fairness C - Caring C - Citizenship
TrustworthinessTrustworthiness Color - Blue (A person is true blue.) Key Terms -
– Integrity– Honesty– Promise-Keeping– Loyalty
TrustworthinessTrustworthiness 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
RespectRespect Color - Yellow (for the Golden Rule) Key Terms -
– Golden Rule– Tolerance– Nonviolence– Courtesy
RespectRespect
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
ResponsibilityResponsibility Color - Green ( for Growing) Key Terms -
– Duty– Accountability– Pursue Excellence– Self-Control
ResponsibilityResponsibility
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
FairnessFairness 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
CaringCaring Be Kind Be Compassionate and Show You Care Express Gratitude Forgive Others Help People in Need
CitizenshipCitizenship Color - Purple (purple heart award) Key Terms -
– Do Your Share– Respect Authority and the Law
CitizenshipCitizenship Do Your Share to Make your School
and Community Better Cooperate Be a Good Neighbor Obey and Follow Rules Protect the Environment