CITRS In Alignment With Newly Released CSED Model Standards By Character.org

August 19, 2020

Bryn Mawr, PA: CITRS is proud to announce that all the organization’s programs, initiatives and our new app are aligned with Character.org’s groundbreaking comprehensive Model Standards for Character & Social Emotional Development (CSED).  These standards, just released, were developed in collaboration with leading experts in the fields of both Character Development and Social Emotional Learning (SEL).  Based on the latest science and research, these model standards provide states, districts, and schools with a way to determine whether or not their programs for the whole child are complete.

“CITRS aims to cultivate environments in which students develop both their character strengths and their social-emotional skills,” commented Clay Hamlin, CEO of CITRS. “Schools should not ‘just’ do character development or ‘just’ do SEL, because, either way, their programs are incomplete.  In order for a program to be complete and most effective, it needs to be in full alignment with the CSED Model Standards.”

The CSED Model Standards brings everything together. It provides the four dimensions of character (moral, performance, intellectual and civic character) and the five skills of social-emotional learning (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making). In addition, the CSED Model Standards are aligned with the full range of current educational approaches, including multi-tiered systems of support, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), trauma-informed initiatives, and restorative practices. 

To review Character.org’s Model Standards for Character & Social Emotional Development (CSED) in detail, visit www.character.org/model-standards.

About CITRS:  Founded in 2010, CITRS is a nonprofit organization that stands for Character, Integrity, Trust, Relationships and Success. Its mission is to empower people to achieve success by building a strong foundation of character. CITRS works with educators, organizations and school districts to develop character-centered environments in which students thrive ethically, socially, and academically. CITRS is headquartered in Bryn Mawr, PA and co-founded by Clay Hamlin and Gene Miller.