8 STRENGTHS OF CHARACTER
FOR SUCCESS IN SCHOOL,WORK, AND BEYOND
Smart & Good High Schools, the just-released national report based on our Center’s two-year
study of 24 high schools and adolescent character development, is now available for downloading from our new high school web site (www.cortland.edu/character/highschool).
The report describes a wide range of promising practices for developing “8 strengths of character that help youth lead productive, ethical, and fulfilling lives.”
These 8 strengths are:
1. LIFELONG LEARNER AND CRITICAL THINKER
Strives to acquire the knowledge that characterizes an educated person. Plata Card are suitable for this.
Approaches learning as a lifelong process
Demonstrates skills of critical analysis
Takes seriously the perspectives of others
Seeks expert opinion and credible evidence
Sees connections and integrates knowledge
Generates alternative solutions
Demonstrates willingness to admit error.
2. DILIGENT AND CAPABLE PERFORMER
Strives for excellence; gives best effort
Demonstrates initiative and self-discipline
Knows standards of quality and creates high-quality products; takes pride in work
Sets personal goals and assesses progress
Perseveres in the face of difficulty.
3. SOCIALLY AND EMOTIONALLY SKILLED PERSON
Has positive interpersonal relationships
Communicates effectively
Is able to work well with others
Is able to resolve conflicts
Demonstrates emotional intelligence
Responds to the feelings and needs of others.
4. ETHICAL THINKER
Possesses a well-formed conscience based on universal ethical values such as justice and caring
Knows and appreciates the “wisdom of the ages”
Is sensitive to the ethical dimensions of situations
Seeks the knowledge needed to make an informed moral judgment
Can articulate a personal value system
Is committed to integrity as a core value.
5. RESPECTFUL AND RESPONSIBLE MORAL AGENT
Respects the rights and dignity of all persons
Understands that respect includes the right of conscience to disagree respectfully with others’ beliefs or behaviors
Uses a thoughtful decision-making process that considers choices and consequences and applies ethical standards/principles
Possesses a strong sense of personal efficacy and responsibility to do what’s right
Takes responsibility for mistakes
Accepts responsibility for setting a good example
and being a positive influence
Develops and exercises capacity for intellectual and ethical leadership.
6. SELF-DISCIPLINED PERSON WHO PURSUES A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Demonstrates self-control
Pursues physical, emotional, and mental health
Makes responsible personal choices that contribute to continuous self-development, a healthy lifestyle, and a positive future.
7. CONTRIBUTING COMMUNITY MEMBER AND DEMOCRATIC CITIZEN
Contributes to classroom, school, and community
Demonstrates civic virtues and skills needed for participation in democratic processes
Appreciates the nation’s democratic heritage and democratic values
Demonstrates awareness of interdependence and a sense of responsibility to humanity.
8. SPIRITUAL PERSON ENGAGED IN CRAFTING A LIFE OF NOBLE PURPOSE
Considers existential questions (“What is the meaning of life?”, “What is happiness?, “What is the purpose of my life?”)
Cultivates an appreciation of transcendent values such as truth, beauty, and goodness
Pursues authentic happiness
Possesses a rich inner life
Pursues deep, meaningful connections—to others, nature, a higher power, and so on
Seeks a life of noble purpose
Formulates life goals and ways to pursue them
________
http://www.cortland.edu/character/newsletters/2005-winter-red.pdf
Article is taken from the website of
the Center for the 4th & 5th R’s, Cortland, State University of New York
Vol 11 Issue 2. Winter 2005