Examines the long-time commitment and involvement of a university and a local chapter of Phi Delta Kappa to encourage and recognize character education in local schools. Describes a public awards ceremony and includes the criteria for the values and character recognition award. Provides a list of the winning schools. (MJP)

Provides criteria to apply when considering the development or purchase of programs or instructional materials for character education. Establishes the importance of including character education in professional development, both at the inservice and preservice levels. Includes a list of six teaching principles for effective character educators.…

Defines moral education as the attempt to create individuals who are willing and able to treat each other as equals and feel compassion towards one another. Considers the contributions of psychotherapy concerning the potential of autonomous individual development to enact social change. (MJP)

The essence of transmitting culture is associated with the evaluation and selection of teachers to make sure their views and cognitive orientations comport with the values of the given social order. Argues for a research agenda to unveil ideology in teacher education, especially as it relates to the selection of minority students. (BJV)

Describes a lesson plan that utilizes stories and quotes to facilitate a discussion concerning behavior and character. Students chose material that illustrates certain character traits (fairness and justice, respect). A worksheet assignment contains relevant and stimulating questions. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan that accentuates honesty as a central tenet of moral behavior. The first handout requires written answers to open-ended questions based on the students' personal convictions. Subsequent handouts contain quotes, arguments, and "Six Reasons for Being Honest." A class discussion follows. (MJP)

Asserts that, although there is widespread agreement that civic education is a worthy educational goal, there is little agreement about its content or appropriate instructional methods. Maintains that effective moral education must involve discussion of substantive civic-moral issues and consideration of moral alternatives. Recommends using the…

Reprints the California State Board of Education's resolution to endorse Character Counts! Week. Asserts that all educators are obliged to awaken youth to the moral and ethical values that build a fundamental strength of character. Identifies elements of character that are embedded in all curriculum frameworks. (MJP)

Compares and contrasts the world views and psychological assumptions of communitarianism and liberal rationalism. Liberal rationalists come out of a strongly cognitive, individualistic psychological tradition while communitarians espouse social constructivism. Discusses the implications of this for moral education. (MJP)

Contends collective cooperative action in the public interest will be necessary to solve future social and environmental problems. Proposes that the social studies curriculum shift its value orientation from individualistic self-interest to a justice-based, global model. Advocates teaching citizenship that stresses self-restraint and investigates…

Argues that law-related education should move beyond teaching the mechanics and issues of government and include those concepts of civic virtue incorporated within democracy. Notes that students need philosophical and moral content as well as experiential learning. (MJP)

Postulates a connection between character education and social responsibility. Identifies the two essential skills necessary for character development as empathy and self-discipline. Discusses the role these play in developing a social conscience. (MJP)

Asserts that half of the general educational objectives established by the Portuguese parliament are related to issues of social justice and moral education. Maintains that school textbooks do not reflect these goals and perpetuate stereotypes about women, social classes, and other cultures. (CFR)

Describes the impact of an independent school's switch to a coeducational institution from single sex boy's school. Discusses the process of redefining the school community and developing a set of core school values. Includes a set of recommended elements for successful coeducation programs. (CFR)

This paper on a widespread nonformal American educational experience, the Boy Scouts, describes the close relationship between family socialization and scouting, and the education that occurs in three key scouting settings: camp-outs, troop meetings, and scout service projects. The paper argues that certain types of families deliberately use…