A well-designed Character Education Program should aim to improve student development by promoting, with an affirmative and systematic approach, certain selected character traits.
Below is a good example of a Character Education Program, as undertaken by the Jefferson County School District (USA) and consisting of a four year cycle of instruction.

The 12 Character Traits to Defend and Promote

 • CITIZENSHIP
Citizenship is showing pride, respect and loyalty to one's country. Citizenship is expressed by responsible and active attempts to uphold the principles of democracy. Changes can be made through legal means.

 • INTEGRITY AND HONESTY
Integrity is being true to high moral and ethical beliefs. Honesty is earning or accomplishing something in a fair, manner without cheating or stealing. A person with integrity and honesty expresses genuineness and sincerity of character.

 • COURTESY
Courtesy is being polite, kind, civil and thoughtful of others. Courtesy reflects an understanding of the various cultural expressions of polite behaviors and good manners and the ability to use them appropriately.

 • RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY
Respect for authority means showing appropriate consideration, regard and honour to someone because of a special position, for example, police officer, judge, school official, parent.

 • RESPECT FOR OTHERS, PROPERTY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Respect for others, property and the environment is acknowledging through word and deed the worth and rights of all human beings, the value of other's property, and the importance of preserving the environment.

 • COMPASSION
Compassion is showing empathetic attitudes and acts of kindness which relieve the discomfort or suffering of others.

 • SELF-DISCIPLINE AND RESPONSIBILITY
Self-discipline is knowing one's responsibilities and carrying them through faithfully without supervision. Self-discipline includes self-monitoring, self-management and self-control. A responsibility is an obligation, duty or trust that is placed in an individual. Being responsible is being accountable and trustworthy.

 • WORK ETHIC
A work ethic is a set of beliefs which develop effective and productive work habits, skills and attitudes. Work ethic includes physical and mental activity directed toward the accomplishment of a task, duty, occupation or assignment.

 • APPRECIATION FOR EDUCATION
Appreciation for education is valuing life long learning as well as valuing understanding of the past, the present and preparing for the future.

 • PATIENCE
Patience is a calm endurance of a trying or difficult situation. Patience helps one to wait for certain responsibilities, privileges or events until a future maturity level or scheduled time.

 • COURAGE
Courage is upholding conviction and what is right or just. Courage is being assertive, tenacious, steadfast and resolute in facing challenges and social pressures.

 • COOPERATION
Cooperation is the ability to work with others to reach a common purpose or to accomplish something of mutual benefit. Cooperation reflects a quality of helpfulness.