Institute for Character Development An Introduction to the

1. Institute for Character DevelopmentAn Introduction to the Major support provided by: John Templeton Foundation

2. 1 Power of Integrating Excellence & Ethics… For success in school work and beyond

4. 4 Groups Comprise the ELC: The ELC and P/ELC are guided by the same 6 principles Faculty and staff, the Professional Ethical Learning Community (PELC), provides the foundational leadership for the ELC.

5. 4 Keys to Developing Performance Character and Moral Character • A community that supports and challenges • Self-study • Other-study • Public performance/presentation

6. Key: A Community That Supports and Challenges • Develop an Ethical Learning Community whose members strive to realize their own potential for excellence and ethics • AND help to bring out the best in every other person.

7. Key: Self-Study • Engage in self-monitoring to identify both strengths and areas for growth in performance character and moral character. • Based on your self-assessment, set goals for improvement and monitor your progress.

8. Key: Other Study • Study the products and pathways of individuals who demonstrate performance character and moral character. • Learn to emulate exemplars’ pathways to success.

9. Key: Public Performance/Presentation • Use public performances & presentations—exhibitions, competitions, speeches, shows, and “real-world” work—to motivate best effort. • Create a “culture of critique”—having students regularly present their work to peers for feedback—in order to heighten their responsibility for doing their best work and being their best ethical self.

11. 1. Lifelong learner and critical thinker • Approaches learning as a lifelong process • Demonstrates skills of critical analysis • Takes seriously the perspectives of others • Seeks expert opinion and credible evidence • Generates alternative solutions • Demonstrates willingness to admit error.

12. 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.

13. 3. Socially and emotionally skilled person • Possesses a healthy self-confidence and a positive attitude • Demonstrates basic courtesy in social situations • Develops positive interpersonal relationships that include sensitivity to the feelings of others and the capacity for “care-frontation” • Communicates effectively • Works well with others • Resolves conflicts fairly • Has emotional intelligence, including self-knowledge and the ability to manage emotions.

14. 4. Ethical thinker • Possesses moral discernment—including ethical wisdom and good judgment • Has a well-formed moral conscience—including the sense of duty and the desire to do the right thing • Has a strong moral identity—a self-concept that makes one’s moral character and moral commitments central to “who I am” • Possesses the moral competence, or “know-how,” needed to translate moral discernment, conscience, and identity into effective moral behavior.

15. 5. Respectful and responsible moralagent, committed to consistent moral action • Respects the rights and dignity of all persons • Understands that respect includes the right of conscience to disagree respectfully • 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

16. 6. Self-disciplined person who pursues a healthy lifestyle • Demonstrates self-control across a wide range of situations • Pursues physical, emotional, and mental health • Makes responsible personal choices that contribute to positive self-development, a healthy lifestyle, and a positive future.

17. 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.

18. 8. Spiritual person—engaged in crafting a life of noble purpose. • Seeks a life of noble purpose • Formulates life goals and ways to pursue them • Considers existential questions (e.g., “What is happiness?”, “What is the meaning of life?”, “What is the meaning of my life?”)

19. The Smart & Good report is available free for downloading from our website,www.cortland.edu/character .

20. Character is Power: The Pathway to Excellence & Ethics