Our Questions and Our Answers

Q: Do schools afford a unique opportunity for students, parents, principals and teachers to explore character together?

A:  Schools afford a unique opportunity to explore character together. By discovering, understanding and exemplifying key character strengths, such as “courage,” “integrity,”  and “compassion” and by participating in class exercises and open discussions, students, parents, principals and teachers work together to gain a deeper understanding of their own character and principles.

Q: Does a character culture impact academic achievement and positively influence attitudes and behaviors?

A:  Students thrive academically when a strong culture of character is in place. Core character concepts work to develop important conversations within the classroom and family.  Character must go beyond academics in school to draw on one’s experience of life and sense of purpose. Unproductive behaviors and limiting attitudes are identified and personal growth encouraged, when a vibrant character culture operates in a school.

Q: Are parents the primary role models of character and therefore do they need to be included, supported and challenged in our schools?

A: Schools must partner with parents as the primary role models of character. The lessons learned in the home and in school must work together to endure.

Q: Is a high standard of character essential for the best education of our children?

A: A high standard of character is essential for the best education of our children. Good character is the foundation of civil discourse, the foundation of democracy and the foundation of freedom itself.