Attitude plus effort leads to improvement. It’s a simple formula, but not necessarily easy. It asserts of all the things within your control, attitude and effort are two of the most powerful factors leading to growth & improvement. Attitude and effort are what separates those who maximize their potential from those who do not. This module focuses on the drivers and preventers of attitude and effort.
The ESSENTIALS
No matter what you call them — character skills, SEL skills, positive psychology strengths, employability skills, 21st-century competencies, or even soft skills— these foundational skills are essential in every family, school, extra-curricular, sport, employment/STEM readiness program, community, or workplace.
The ESSENTIALS is a research-based character development and leadership enhancement program designed for educators working with middle and high school-aged youth. The ten focus areas in The ESSENTIALS series represent critical competencies for developing character and culture skills needed for success in school, extra-curricular activities, work, and beyond.
The ESSENTIALS modules draw upon nearly 25 years of applied research and development in K-16 education, workplaces, and sports.
Educators can introduce each ESSENTIALS module as a single experience or break it into several 15-minute lessons. Students can use the module’s core tool or strategies repeatedly to master the competency over time. In addition, each module includes several extension activities and teaching ideas, allowing for extra practice throughout a course, semester, or year.
View all 12 ESSENTIALS modules / topics
The ESSENTIALS – Frequently Asked Questions
Attitude + Effort = Improvement – Flipbook

The ESSENTIALS: Series Introduction
CASEL Core Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Competency Alignment : Self-Management
Six Pillar Alignment: Respect, Caring
Pricing per Site/School:
o Up to 250 students: $250 per module, per site
o 251 – 500 students: $500 per module, per site
o Over 500 students: $750 per module, per site
Additional discounts offered for District-wide (multi-site) pricing. Contact us for a proposal.
Module includes a facilitator guide and student workbook in digital format plus editable PowerPoint slides.
Product License: This product is licensed as a perpetual, non-exclusive, non-transferable limited use site license for use only under our full terms and conditions. These terms and conditions will be agreed to upon checkout.
Digital File Download: After product is fully-paid and you have agreed to the licensing terms and conditions, you will receive an email from a CHARACTER COUNTS! customer service representative with links to your digital files.