How C2 is Changing Lives

C2 is designed for the most challenging teens: those “at risk” of dropping out or flunking out, drug users, bullies, and the violent.  Yes, they can be helped. C2 graduates tend to stay in school, do their homework, stop using drugs, stop violent behavior, and change friends. C2 gives them the foundation for life they are not getting at home.

Traditionally, the students in this age group who lack character don’t respond well to character education curriculum. It seems to remind them of their failure and it’s not “cool.”  So we targeted them in designing the material, looking for ways to motivate them. We think we found some:

     Focus on student strengths rather than their problems and wrong behaviors

     Interactive presentations [Group Version]

     Provocative journal questions

     Peer challenge and reinforcement through the discussion group [Group Version]

     Movie clips that draw students into the subject and capture their hearts

     Easy instructions that allow minimal supervision [Independent Study Version]

C2’s movie clips are powerful tools: “Pirates of the Caribbean,”  “Spiderman 3,” “Coach Carter,” and others are professionally edited to remove all cursing. The DVDs are designed for ease of use.  Pop the DVD into the player, select a clip, and push the button.  It’s so easy, even an adult can do it!  Movie clips have great advantages with teens:

     High interest

     Sharpen focus

     Convenient

     Save time

     Capture the heart as well as engaging the mind

     Speak to a broad range of students, from the brightest to the challenged

In our groups, students respond well to the material and bond as a group. A 17-year old was court-referred to C2 and he wasn’t happy about it. He was expelled from school for violence and theft and could barely read. After 8 sessions, he was asked what he thought of C2. “It’s cool,” he shrugged. After the 24th session, one girl said,  “Do we have to stop?” In her first semester after the group, her grades went from C’s with an F in Math to A’s and B’s with an A in Math.  She also changed her entire group of friends to a healthier crowd

C2 is the first character training curriculum based on Positive Psychology according to Chris Peterson, co-author with Martin Seligman of Character Strengths and Virtues, and University of Michigan professor. That’s why he agreed to direct our research.

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