Changes in American sexual behavior brought about by the sexual revolution have been linked to the breakdown of the family and other social ills. Because sex has profound consequences for self, others, and society, sex education is an important part of character education. Sexual abstinence before marriage is associated with better physical and…

Author describes his first encounters with psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg and explains how Kohlberg's approach has been blended with other approaches in the development of the author's work on the moral education of children. (Author)

A developmental psychologist discusses the meaning of "moral development" and suggests ways to implement classroom activities fostering the moral growth of pupils. (MB)

Spurred by an impending morality crisis, moral education is making a comeback. Gallup polls indicate that over 80 percent of parents want public schools to teach moral values. This article shows how to promote respect and responsibility as the fourth and fifth "R's." Insets list values and character development objectives. (MLH)

Growing up in a highly eroticized environment, children are preoccupied with sex in developmentally distorted ways and increasingly likely to act out their sexual impulses. Abstinence is the only totally effective way to avoid pregnancy, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases. Chastity education promises great success through promotion of…

Describes a comprehensive model of classroom character education in the following components: the teacher as caregiver, model, and mentor; the caring classroom environment; moral discipline; the democratic classroom environment; values instruction through the curriculum; cooperative learning; the conscience of the craft; ethical reflection; and…

Discusses three goals of character development for elementary school children: promoting (1) cooperative relationships and mutual respect; (2) moral agency; and (3) a moral community based on fairness, caring, and participation. Explores teaching strategies for building self-esteem and fostering cooperation, moral reflection, and participative…

Identifies goals of character development for elementary school children. Offers four processes that promote positive social growth and moral maturity: (1) building self-esteem and a sense of community; (2) learning to cooperate and help others; (3) reflecting on moral choices; and (4) participating in decision making. Suggests how teachers have…

Character educators can recognize religion's contribution to our culture while honoring the First Amendment. Schools can help students understand religion's role in our nation's beginnings, major social-reform movements, and individuals' motivation; construct special curricula; and encourage students to tap inner resources to address social issues…

Using a developmental, learning-by-doing approach, teacher education must take deliberate steps to help teachers acquire the skills and understanding they need to foster the moral growth of students at all levels. (Author/MSE)

Provides a point/counterpoint investigation into appropriateness of character education as a function of public schools. Lickona describes the implementation and success of various character education curricula across the country, while Skillen suggests that public schools may not be sufficiently pluralistic in their approach to support such…

Concern over the moral condition of American society is spawning a new character-education movement requiring teachers to create a moral community, practice moral discipline, foster classroom democracy, teach values through the curriculum, stress cooperative learning and conflict resolution, and foster caring beyond the classroom. (MLH)

Argues that the surge of violence by youth arises from a national crisis of character. Proposes that schools join families, churches, and communities in instilling universal ethical values. Outlines a comprehensive approach to character development and offers supporting research and practical examples of schools that implement these principles.…

This paper discusses moral development and illustrates ways that it can be fostered in children both in the home and in the classroom. Moral education is discussed in terms of four basic questions: (1) Is there a need for it? (2) If so, is it the job of the schools to teach morality? (3) What is moral development? and (4) If fostering moral…

Six value education methodologies for use on the secondary level are described and recommendations for implementing values/moral/civic education are presented. The first and second sections describe Lawrence Kohlberg's six-stage moral development approach to value education. The use of moral dilemma discussions to develop moral reasoning is…