Character Education
What You Can Do
- Display the eight character traits in your home or business.
- Model the traits.
- Utilize the language of character at home, at work and throughout the
community.
- Encourage and affirm the display of good character in others through
specific words and actions.
- Become a mentor or tutor for a young person.
- Help develop a "culture of character" in Wake County.
What Is Character Education?
Character Education is a national movement creating schools that foster ethical, responsible, and caring young people by modeling and teaching good character through an emphasis on universal values that we all share. It is the intentional and proactive effort by schools, districts, and states to instill in their students important core, ethical values such as respect for self and others, responsibility, integrity, and self-discipline. It is not a “quick fix” or cure-all. It provides long-term solutions that address moral, ethical, and academic issues that are of growing concern about our society and the safety of our schools. Character Education may address such critical concerns as student absenteeism, discipline problems, drug abuse, gang violence, teen pregnancy and poor academic performance. At its best, character education integrates positive values into everyaspect of the school day.
Essential Character Traits
Courage - Having the determination to do the right thing even
when others don't; the strength to follow your conscience rather than
the crowd. Attempting difficult things that are worthwhile.
Good Judgment - Choosing worthy goals and setting proper priorities. Thinking through the consequences of your actions. Basing decisions on practical wisdom and good sense.
Integrity - Having the inner strength to be truthful, trustworthy, and honest in all things. Acting justly and honorably.
Kindness - Being considerate, courteous, helpful, and understanding of others. Showing care, compassion, friendship, and generosity. Treating others as you would like to be treated.
Perseverance - Being persistent in pursuit of worthy objectives in spite of difficulty, opposition, or discouragement. Exhibiting patience and having the fortitude to try again when confronted with delays, mistakes, or failures.
Respect - Showing high regard for authority, for other people, for self, for property, and for country. Understanding that all people have value as human beings.
Responsibility - Being dependable in carrying out obligations and duties. Showing reliability and consistency in words and conduct. Being accountable for your own actions. Being committed to active involvement in your community.
Self-Discipline - Demonstrating hard work and commitment to purpose. Regulating yourself for improvement and refraining from inappropriate behaviors. Being in proper control of your words, actions, impulses, and desires. Choosing abstinence from premarital sex, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances and behaviors. Doing your best in all situations.