CHARACTER COUNTS! IN IOWA schools
When the CHARACTER COUNTS! framework is truly integrated throughout all aspects of the school day, youth feel a sense of safety - not just physical safety, but social, emotional and intellectual safety too. When administrators, faculty and all supporting staff make an effort to model the Six Pillars of Character, the youth become aware of the visible and subtle difference in the learning environment and the interactions of people in the building.
These differences in the school's culture and climate lead to a stronger learning environment, including:
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Documented reduction in disciplinary referrals
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Increased attendance
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Decreased in-school and out-of-school suspensions.
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Reduction in fighting and vandalism and increase in a sense of belonging that education research cites as a major factor in increasing student achievement
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Why do we need character education in schools?
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A large segment of young people can be described as the "I Deserve It" generation. They are preoccupied with personal needs, wants, don't wants, rights and entitlements. Their worldview results in greater willingness to ignore traditional ethical restraints in the pursuit of personal goals.
The Josephson Institute of Ethics and the CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition released new data from a national survey of more than 20,000 middle and high schoolers. The figures paint a troubling picture of the attitudes and actions of America's youth.
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A few examples from that survey:
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24% of male high school students and 18% of male middle schoolers say they took a weapon to school at least once in the past year.
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47% of high school males believe it is sometimes okay to hit or threaten a person who makes them angry.
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Only 69% of high schoolers say they are satisfied with the ethics and character of their generation.
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View the complete report at www.charactercounts.org.
Get Started Today!
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Click here to learn how you can get CHARACTER COUNTS! started in your school. |
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Attend a CC! Training
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View a list of trainings and workshops from CHARACTER COUNTS! in Iowa that will help you begin implementing CHARACTER COUNTS! in your school. |
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Success Stories
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Click here to see how Iowa schools are using CHARACTER COUNTS! |
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Examples
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