For the past 12 years, the Cowen Institute has published the "State of Public Education in New Orleans" ("SPENO") on a near annual basis. During that time, the purpose, content, and audience of the report have evolved. This edition of the report is a snapshot of public education in the current academic year using aggregated…

The purpose of this study of two undergraduate liberal arts core curricula was to answer the following questions: What was the impact on student humanitarian values of a traditional distribution general education core curriculum with a supplementary integrated intervention strategy that requires students to examine personal values and the values…

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)

This report provides a summarization of a study designed to determine if there is a significant relationship between formal religious education and the moral judgment development of college students, and after controlling for formal religious education, to see if there was also a significant relationship between the educational environment or…

Reports on a study of the influence of age and formal education on the development of moral reasoning among 215 Spanish citizens ranging in age from 12 to 48. Finds that moral development is highly related to both variables, although more so with formal education than with age. Includes five tables of illustrative data. (CFR)

Reports on 2 studies to assess attitudes to and moral reasoning about class rules among 117 Australian secondary students and 87 student teachers. Finds students' moral reasoning to be more advanced than predicted by Lawrence Kohlberg and based on the general welfare of students and teachers. (CFR)

Asserts that middle school education is a conceptually unique process requiring changed teacher roles, a curriculum of exploration rather than skill development, and student grouping based on developmental factors rather than by age or subject matter. (CFR)

Explains how a teacher attempted to mediate between her own aesthetic and that of her students while teaching them to write poetry. (JL)

This booklet focuses on the following aspects of moral education: (1) teaching students how to live intelligently and responsibly; (2) holding high expectations of students; (3) organizing schools so that students increasingly practice living with an awareness of moral values; (4) energizing and encouraging students; and (5) providing good role…

This report presents information on similarities and differences between U.S. high school sophomores as studied at three points in time over the past 22 years, with a focus on cohort demographics, academic programs and performance, extracurricular activities, life values, and educational/occupational aspirations. It provides an update to the…

A review of national college student surveys since 1966 reveals that trends in student attitudes focusing more on material goals and less on social problems are beginning to reverse direction. There is growing evidence of increasing orientation toward social activism and protection of the environment. (Author/MSE)

In spring 1985, a survey of Native American students attending Mesa Community College (MCC) was conducted to determine whether Native American students were significantly different from the general MCC population; the age, special interests, majors, degree objectives, socioeconomic status, and career plans of these students; tribal representation…

A survey of Hispanic American students leaving college found significant differences between dropouts and those dismissed for academic performance. Familial values and demands and other extra-academic variables exerted considerable pressure on individual students. Institutional assumptions in Hispanic student retention need to be challenged and…

Utilizes the Psychology As Science (PAS) questionnaire to examine student's perceptions. PAS consists of a series of statements about Psychology followed by a strongly agree/disagree option. Reveals an overwhelming acceptance of psychology as a science among students. Includes a statistical breakdown of PAS statements and suggestions for future…

Major technical issues concerning the assessment of student learning in higher education are presented in light of the authors' own knowledge of principles and methods of testing and measurement. This information is intended to help academic administrators and faculty draft a charge to a committee for the design and implementation of an assessment…