In a challenging critique of moral education in public schools, James Davison Hunter argues that the unspoken imperative of all moral education is to teach only those virtues, principles, and other moral teachings about which there is essentially no disagreement in American society. Hunter claims that almost every major form of moral education in…

Considers popular approaches to moral and character education in schools. Draws on the work of moral philosophers such as Kant and Kohlberg to construct a synthesis of direct and indirect teaching methods allowing children to make moral choices. Includes 25 references. (MLH)

The author offers an argument for organized inculcation of moral values into students. (IRT)

Discusses an experiment in moral education at the Cluster School, Cambridge (Massachusetts). Concludes that for those aiming for the application of moral reasoning to the life of the school, the just community approach may prove most promising. (Author/WD)

A teacher integrates character education into content lessons by lacing a "character cocktail" with community, manners, and ethical decision-making. (MLF)

Proposes that sex information should consist of sexual facts which are established as valid in the scientific community and integrated in the day to day curriculum without value judgment. (MF)

Describes the For Character Program that identifies and honors public and private schools in which students demonstrate high levels of positive conduct and academic effort. Outlines several school and classroom management principles that stress both character development and academic quality and resemble effective school characteristics. (MLH)

Values clarification is defined, explained, and described in the school setting, and the areas of expansion are listed. (DW)

"Moral" or "character" education is neither a discrete, afterthought curriculum nor an unreflective community-service activity. Grappling with thorny dilemmas and the meanings of civil behavior is not beyond adolescents. Few issues can be persuasively reduced to sharply painted absolutes. Small-group discussion of these issues…

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…

Adolescence is a time of intense, often idealistic concern about the relationship of self to others. Yet educators hesitate to address high-school students about moral aspects of sexuality and marriage. Such reticence has a high price. Textbooks mistakenly convey self-interest as the sole cause of human behavior. (MLH)

Traces the history of moral education from the ethics-laden forties and fifties through the value-neutral sixties and seventies to the late eighties' focus on character, socialization, and culture. Offers a blueprint for future ethical instruction based on example, explanation, exhortation, environment, and experience. (MLH)

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…

Nineteenth-century common schools offered no course about religion or its role in American society. Moral education up through the mid-20th century embodied a kind of generalized Christianity. If universalized versions of the Golden Rule and the Ten Commandments prevail, educators should reconsider the merits of common-school philosophy. Contains…