CHARACTER COUNTS! is based on Model Standards of Academic, Social-Emotional (SEL), Character Development, and School Culture. The standards provide a comprehensive integration of four core domains comprising the mission of modern educational institutions and the objectives of education and reform movements. The Model Standards have also been linked to CASEL’s core five competencies.
The Standards supplement content standards with objectives concerning the development of:
Today, it is generally accepted that the fundamental purpose of education is to prepare students to succeed in college and career and become responsible and productive citizens. Whether included informal standards or not, educational institutions can help students develop values, skills, and character traits in four overlapping domains.
These Model Standards, integrating critical outcomes from each of these domains, draw heavily upon the most current research and theories concerning:
Among the more influential contributions seeking to broaden the educational mission and provide new strategies for developing a competent next generation with a strong moral conscience are the research, reports, recommendations, and standards presented by:
These standards can provide states, school districts, and individual schools with a comprehensive, fully integrated guide to the achievement of ambitious but realistic learning objectives in the academic, social/emotional, character, and school climate domains. We commit to continually updating, and where appropriate, revising these Model Standards in response to experience and the suggestions and advice of thoughtful educators.