Against a formidable national discourse that emphasizes academic standardization, accountability, and high-stakes testing in educational policy, "Character and Moral Education: A Reader" seeks to re-introduce and revive the moral mission of education in public conversation and practices in America's schools. With contributions from a…

National and statewide research indicates that there is a special role for schools in preparing youth to become active, engaged participants in a democratic society. Unlike many of the roles that schools have assumed, this is not a new role; it is a role that was envisioned by the founding fathers. The results of several national studies strongly…