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.

 

 

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.