Reflects on the leadership role of a County Office Superintendent in bringing character education to students countywide. Reiterates the importance of systematic training, collaborative involvement with the community, and student recognition for program success. Includes information about the Character Counts! Program and addresses for receiving…

Maintains that a weakening of spiritual myths as the transmitter of communal values places a greater responsibility on the home and school to create these values. Asserts that these values can be defined through patterns of social action and interaction, and reinforced through the general curriculum. (MJP)

Argues that moral education needs to move beyond the development of individual character and assume a leadership position in the creation of better societies and a better world. Includes examples of innovative schools that have spearheaded this approach. Discusses intersections between moral education and the social sciences. (MJP)

Provides a concise historical overview of theological thinking concerning fundamentalism, absolutism, and relativism. Considers corresponding responses to issues regarding multiculturalism. Concludes that a diversity of viewpoints is necessary for society to learn from its mistakes and progress in a positive fashion. (MJP)

Identifies authenticity as the idea that there exists an innate and knowable self. Discusses this concept and how it relates to social, philosophical, and religious thought. Compares the Western concept of self, autonomous and individualistic, with the more interdependent and enigmatic Eastern ideal. (MJP)

Examines possible reasons for the lack of issues-oriented instruction in social studies classrooms. Provides curriculum suggestions to remedy this, including exploring debatable issues that can be researched and are interesting. Includes 12 instructional strategies designed to maintain student interest and smooth over rough spots. (MJP)

Presents a lesson plan that teaches students to identify and examine the First Amendment as it applies to school-related issues. Procedures include researching a specific case and role playing its participants, followed by a discussion and written analysis. Includes three recent Supreme Court cases. (MJP)

Outlines instructions for conducting a student forum addressing the relevance and appropriateness of character education. Five students agree to portray fictional members of the panel (teacher, minister, single parent). The rest of the class researches the issue and asks questions. (MJP)

Investigates Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) education in public schools, arguing that preoccupation with sex education masks several problems associated with AIDS education. Contends that moral-political educational issues are renewed by the AIDS problem. Identifies liberal and conservative positions on AIDS education, showing their…

Finds Protestant fundamentalists and Muslims in England, Australia, and the United States turning away from government schools, finding official policies antithetical to their beliefs. Argues that traditional Judaeo-Christian beliefs have been replaced by the antinomianism of those opposed to any universal moral law. Suggests that the present…

Discusses the introduction of a course titled, "Ethics and Psychology of Family Life," in Russian public schools. Asserts that teachers are not trained adequately in the content and educational strategies necessary to teach the course. Describes an inservice teacher education course designed to help. (CFR)

Describes redesign and evaluation of a full-year, introductory undergraduate course in world religions, from a traditional lecture-based model to a Web-based format, motivated by the highly personal and valuative nature of the course content, large class size, and lack of personal interaction. Two pedagogical approaches, caring regard and…

Encapsulates five brief reports on cutting edge issues in moral education research. Discusses strengths and weaknesses of different administrative approaches to creating a character education program. Addresses the inherent dichotomy between military service and democratic values. Considers issues of data verification and abuse of power. (MJP)

Explores the strengths and weaknesses of the five main philosophical positions currently found in school sex education. Argues that valid sex education promotes rational sexual autonomy, requires pupils to consider the needs and wishes of others, and occurs within a moral framework. Suggests teachers adopt a supportive but neutral position. (MJP)

This article introduces a qualitative study entitled "The moral and ethical bases of teachers' interactions with students". The main focus of the study is on the teacher's role as moral agent and the orientations within the classroom to issues of right and wrong as identified by teachers and the researchers. The primary intent is to…