Discusses the religious political right's views and their implications for education. Describes the cognitive and moral development of children, and the context best suited for ethical instruction. (DB)

Growing public concern with student discipline, increases in student suicide rates, homicides, and high pregnancy rates of teenage girls are causing educators to give renewed attention to the concept of "character development" in public education. (MD)

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…

Contends that the concept of levels of moral maturity in psychology focuses on character formation in children's development. Asserts that virtue theory in ethics can be helpful in pointing out the ethical implications of current work with children. Argues for the usefulness of ancient ethical concepts. (CFR)

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.…

Maintains that the Defining Issues Test (DIT) is now the most frequently used measure of moral judgment development. Reviews the history of DIT research. Asserts that the measurement system provided by the DIT would put the cognitive developmental approach in a better position to affect change in the moral development field. (CFR)

Calls for a renewed effort by educators, schools, and communities to teach character and civic virtue. Discusses the role of civic education within the social studies curriculum and the impetus for affirming democratic principles and ideals. Recommends incorporating character education within the traditional subjects of civics, history, and…

This article puts forth some of the concepts and complexities involved in teaching secondary students ethical and aesthetic reasoning skills as well as the ideas of and debates throughout history. It is argued that curricula should connect holistically to the intellectual and emotional hierarchies of the gifted personality. (PB)

Describes the focus and activities of the schools involved in California's "Partnerships in Character Education" project. In its third year, the pilot project has developed five separate school programs. Team members assess the environment of the school and design a program incorporating adult modeling and curriculum integration. (MJP)

Reports on the work of the Child Development Project. The project outlined a series of approaches and characteristics shared by successful character development school programs. These include creating a caring community, a social constructivist approach to staff development, use of cooperative learning strategies, autonomy, belonging, and…

Students' decisions are influenced by the moral climate of their school. Changing social, economical, and traditional family structures have contributed to an upheaval of moral foundations. As a result, schools are becoming a critical arena for students to develop into morally responsible adults. Consequently, the moral growth of teachers is an…

Describes a program called the Character Education Curriculum developed by the American Institute for Character Education that is the most widely used plan for teaching the basic traits of character, conduct, and citizenship. (MD)

This article discusses the possibilities of moral education through physical education. A brief overview of several moral education programs is presented with an emphasis on Kohlberg's cognitive development approach. An appeal is made to physical educators for greater concern and involvement towards this goal. (Author/DF)

Profiles the implementation and accomplishments of the Allen Classical/Traditional Academy in Dayton, Ohio. The elementary magnet school integrated a character education program into its classical education curriculum. Discusses the specifics of this program including the use of a discipline plan and school uniforms. (MJP)

Frequent use of credibility phrases such as "to be perfectly honest" and "frankly speaking" may lend credence to the description of this era as being the Age of Disbelief. It is not enough that truth is implied in a discussion, it must be made explicit verbally. What do students think when they see headlines that decry fraud,…