CoE School Character Program FAQs

What is Communities of Excellence – Living the 8 Keys?
Communities of Excellence – Living the 8 Keys is a student character development initiative of Learning Forum International. This school character program is based on the 8 Keys of Excellence, developed to help students over 25 years ago. Wherever they're introduced, the Keys provide a meaningful way to improve cooperation and teamwork and create a supportive, trusting environment where each student is valued and respected and real learning can take place.

What is the mission of Communities of Excellence – Living the 8 Keys?
To unite members of the community in support of a character-building program that inspires students to build excellence and to make positive choices and become productive members of their schools, their families, and society.

What is Learning Forum International?
Learning Forum International (LFI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational corporation based in Oceanside, California that funds Communities of Excellence character programs through schools and individual student scholarships to SuperCamp® learning and life skills summer enrichment programs.

How is Communities of Excellence implemented in the classroom?
CoE’s school character program is implemented in classrooms throughout the school year. Teachers begin the year by presenting an overview lesson of the 8 Keys of Excellence to their students. They focus on one Key per month, starting with a Key lesson early in the month and integrating the Key into the curriculum in a number of ways, including student journaling, writing assignments, and test preparation tips.

Each month, students receive an 8 Keys keycard to add to their Living the 8 Keys key ring. Additionally, teachers and administrators can present 8 Keys awards in classrooms, hold assemblies that incorporate the 8 Keys, and invite outside speakers to give “Key Talks” to the students. The culmination of the program occurs in the final month of school year with students reflecting upon how they have applied and will apply the 8 Keys in their lives. The month can include award ceremonies and celebrations.

What is Quantum Learning®?
Quantum Learning is a powerful educational system employing an engaging teaching and learning methodology that integrates best educational practices into a unified whole. This synergistic approach to the learning process covers both theory and practice. It has been proven to increase academic achievement and improve students' attitudes toward the learning process. These integrated, comprehensive programs turn abstract theory into practical applications that can be used immediately in the classroom.

What are the 8 Keys of Excellence?
The 8 Keys of Excellence provide a framework for building excellence in people and for creating an environment where each person is valued and respected. Students create alignment and build a strong sense of community by committing to follow the Keys, which were developed over 25 years ago by Bobbi DePorter to help guide students attending her learning and life skills summer enrichment program, SuperCamp. You can get definitions and descriptions of all 8 Keys by clicking here.

How can I get involved?
There are several ways to get involved in CoE, including informing schools about the program, adopting a class or school with a donation, becoming a CoE corporate partner at the local, state or national level, championing the cause within your community and with the local media, or making an individual donation to the general fund. Learn more here.

Do I have to donate money to participate in Communities of Excellence – Living the 8 Keys?
No. Donating money is just one way of supporting this student character development program. You can help CoE reach more students by talking it up! Talk to educators at schools and at the district level about CoE. Tell everyone you know about Communities of Excellence. To help, we’ve prepared some sample Twitter tweets for you to use. Get them here.

How do I implement CoE in my school?
It’s easy to launch CoE in your school or school district, regardless of where you are located. This character development program is cost effective and easily scalable from a single class, to the whole school, and to the entire district. The cost to implement the program is just $10 per student with a minimum of 20 students.

If you currently have funding for character or other student development programs, then Communities of Excellence – Living the 8 Keys is the perfect program. It provides curriculum content for the full school year, highlighted by one featured Key per month. If you are seeking funding for a student character program, then this is the ideal initiative around which to base your grant proposal. To help, we’ve prepared a sample grant proposal [link to grant proposal].

If you are on the PTA, then gain support for CoE among parents. Remember, it’s just $10 per student for the entire year with 20 or more students.

Contact us by email or call 760-305-7317 to learn more about how you can use the Communities of Excellence in your school or schools.