Within the United States, education has long been valued as a means of fostering the growth and development of each person in order to realize the democratic ideals of freedom, equality, non-discrimination, and respect for the rights of all. In an increasingly globalized world and within the United States itself, this growth and development must…

These are challenging times for education. The public holds schools and teachers more accountable for student learning, as demonstrated by everyone's expectations for stronger student performances on standardized tests and higher graduation rates. Unfortunately, the increased emphasis on reading, mathematics, and science to prepare students for a…

Sees the 1984 presidential election as an opportunity for teachers to help students explore the responsibilities and possibilities of democratic participation. Helps to develop the personal political vision that is basic to political involvement and maturity through an examination of multiple social and political issues and each candidate's…

"Using Action Research to Foster Positive Social Values" provides teachers with a unique framework in which to consider classroom violence. It uses actual case studies and working models done through classroom research to produce more effective classrooms that foster positive social values. The author lays out a theoretical framework for: (1)…

American society's concern with the necessity of teaching the importance of good character and ethical/moral decision-making in school is growing. However, many concerned parties fail to recognize that the school--and even the most dedicated teacher--will not be able to teach ethical decision making in a vacuum. Despite this reality, it is…

Contends that the Los Angeles riots illustrated how a pluralistic society can come apart when its members lose faith in its moral character. Argues that teachers and administrators must provide students with experience in democratic problem solving within the school structure. Maintains that the Your Educational Success Program (YES) is an…

The basic paradox of citizenship education in the United States is that the first steps toward the rational, autonomous, critical-minded citizen required by a democracy are necessarily non-rational and based on an unquestioned deference to authority. The movement from the morality of authority to the morality of principle constitutes the challenge…

The primary goal of social studies is education for political citizenship. Democratic values is the most important type of content to be included in the social studies program of the middle grades. (RM)

To aid in the development of moral and ethical frames of reference necessary for citizenship in a democratic society, the booklet outlines 7 programs for K-6 students that present 19 concepts for affective education instruction in the areas of values, attitudes, and interests. Some of these include freedom, honesty, loyalty, responsibility,…

Describes the background and activities of the Poynter Center for the Study of Ethics and American Institutions at Indiana University. Maintains that the center's programs focus on topics such as ethics and the professions, medical ethics, research ethics, and religion and the morality of professions. Provides a list of center publications. (CFR)

Character education has become the fastest growing school reform movement in the United States. Surveys conducted in the last few years indicate that Americans tend to place character (values) education as the highest priority in school restructuring programs, and there is nothing to suggest that the nation's concern is temporary. Teachers in the…

This collection of essays addresses the debate over moral education. The contributors deal with whether educators should influence children's value orientation through a direct program advocating restraint and higher moral standards, or whether educators should teach students to cope and adapt by providing a variety of alternatives from which the…

The purpose of this article is to present empirical evidence suggesting the potential benefits of systematically utilizing general education as the institutional foundation for an integrated, multidisciplinary learning environment expressly dedicated to the promotion of civic engagement. Recently, the authors conducted an assessment of student…

The belief in citizen participation, along with the values of liberty and equality, have shaped the U.S. character and are reflected in the nation's institutions and behavior. This participation is manifested by electoral participation, citizen action, citizen involvement, obligatory participation, volunteer service, and mutual self-help. To take…

Contends that the key questions in civic education are How should people be treated? and How should disputes between people be resolved? Argues that a moral system is necessary for a civil society and that schools have a responsibility to encourage common-sense notions of ethical behavior. Includes classroom activities to illustrate this approach.…