The overall CCT approach involves twelve guiding principles. These principles are common elements of society, regardless of political leanings, race, religious convictions or gender. The principles are responsibility, contemplation, initiative, perseverance, optimism, courage, respect, compassion, adaptability, honesty, trustworthiness, and loyalty . In Arkansas, the CCT effort provides parents with suggestions and strategies they can use to teach and reinforce lessons on character with their children. Arkansas' approach to character-centered teaching is based on the belief that the development of a child's character and appropriate behavior is first and foremost the responsibility of the family.
Parents are vital and active partners in Arkansas' character-centered teaching program.
No matter how well planned or designed, a classroom lesson plan cannot rival the lessons that children learn each day in their homes. While every parent wants his or her child to be honest, trustworthy and responsible, some parents might want suggestions or ideas on how they can instill and reinforce these character traits at home. With the CCT approach at school, and with parents modeling good character traits and encouraging their children to do the same in the home, children receive a positive message about the importance of developing good character attributes. When parents and teachers join together with similar goals to promote sound character, this can lead to a more beneficial effort for children. Parents have the most important influence in the lives of children.