Effective character education cannot be isolated from the active support of the wider community, according to Josephson. Coalitions include educational institutions, human-service organizations, businesses, churches, law enforcement agencies, local governments, civic organizations, and individuals working in partnership to reinforce the values supported by the six pillars of character. Peggy Adkins, UT Agricultural Extension Service 4-H curriculum specialist, was commissioned two years ago by Josephson's Institute to develop a curriculum for Character Counts. Students in regular, gifted, and special-education programs all benefit, according to Adkins. It's a responsive thing.
Schools hear of successes in other schools and ask for it.
All of the schools have immersed themselves in teaching character. It's so consistent in concept in each school, yet each school is implementing it in a way that's appropriate for their situation. After completing Character Counts training, Key Club members from Sullivan East High School in Kingsport teach students at Weaver Elementary School about character. And they're also learning about character by teaching it. Character Counts activities by 4-H clubs statewide are varied.