Character Counts
Paragon Collegiate Academy has implemented the “Character Counts program to develop the intrapersonal and interpersonal skill among students. Character Counts is founded on the Six Pillars of Character.
Trustworthiness. Respect. Responsibility. Fairness. Caring. Citizenship.
The Six Pillars of Character are ethical values to guide our choices. The standards of conduct that arise out of those values constitute the ground rules of ethics, and therefore of ethical decision-making.
Six Pillars of Character can provide a common lexicon. Common lexicons are necessary so we can communicate more easily about core values. So we can understand ethical decisions better, our own and those of others.
The Six Pillars act as a multi-level filter through which to process decisions. So, being trustworthy is not enough we must also be caring. Adhering to the letter of the law is not enough we must accept responsibility for our action or inaction.
The Pillars can help us detect situations where we focus so hard on upholding one moral principle that we sacrifice another where, intent on holding others accountable; we ignore the duty to be compassionate; where, intent on getting a job done, we ignore how.
The Six Pillars of Character can be taught at each of the age levels with meaningful experiences designed to emphasize character trait development related to the specific age category. This gives the advantage of reinforcing the six character traits throughout a young person's life.
In short, the Six Pillars can dramatically improve the ethical quality of our decisions, and thus our character and lives.
Trustworthiness
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do. • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation Be loyal — stand by your family, friends and country
Respect
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements
Responsibility
Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your choices
Fairness
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly
Caring
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need
Citizenship
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment
~ (Making Ethical Decisions, Michael Josephson founder of CHARACTER COUNTS 2009, Josephson Institute)
