Stressing the importance, difficulty, and inevitability of moral education in public schools, this article asks educators to accept the task as moral educators, to gain insight tnto value conflicts, and to become role models of moral commitment. (DW)

Reports results of a Phi Delta Kappa survey on moral education, showing that educators have concern for rising crime and declining family life and expect family and church to conduct moral education. (DW)

Criticizes developmental psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of education which classifies children according to their stage in moral development and then attempts to manipulate them from stage to stage. The author feels that Kohlberg insults religious faith, intrudes upon a parent's right to direct his/her child's moral upbringing, and turns…

Although in favor of developmental psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development, the author cautions about possible results of using moral reasoning discussions in the classroom. These include: (1) indoctrination, (2) moral authoritarianism, (3) relativism, (4) the "morality as medicine" syndrome, (5) and the "doing Kohlberg"…

H. Michael Sokolow's position on whether or not educational institutions should be regarded as morally responsible (in reference to various important contemporary problems) is critiqued, and an alternative view of educational institutions' moral responsibility is offered. (Author/CJ)

Recent ideas and publications concerning values and moral education have had little impact on social studies teaching in Canada. The article provides eight suggestions for improving values education, including leadership from provincial ministers of education, development of a values education rationale, and improvement of teacher education and…

The role assumed by public schools in teaching affective subjects is discussed. It is argued that public schools have become scapegoats through their incapability of teaching such subjects as sex and drug education, moral development, and values clarification--subjects which should be the responsibility of the family and church. (FG)

The history of American education's efforts to fulfill responsibilities for the moral and spiritual development of students is described. Views of Kohlberg and Fowler concerning stages of development are discussed. Recent research findings are presented, and implications for educational approaches are suggested. (Author/PP)

The paper investigates the relationships among indoctrination, education, believing, and action in order to inform students and teachers of methods of openly and collectively guarding against indoctrination in the American school system. Four conditions for distinguishing indoctrination from education are: (1) intent of the teacher; (2) truth or…

The importance of teaching moral education in the public schools is emphasized in this report. Three topics are discussed. The first section includes a sketch of the present moral climate of the United States, including evidence drawn from a recent Gallup Poll of public attitudes toward education, recent magazine articles, results of educational…

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.…

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)

Articulates an expanded vision of citizenship education that incorporates two powerful reform movements: character education and community service. Addresses the reservations teachers have about initiating these programs and provides suggestions for organization and administration. Includes a list of student-designed citizenship education…

Examines the planning, implementation, and mission of the Clearinghouse for Character Education at California State University, Fresno. Materials collected at the Clearinghouse include samples of model programs, research, contacts for program development, and instructional resources for teachers, schools, and districts interested in character…