Cultures include a combination of shared and contested understandings. Although individuals may identify with their culture, they are also critical of practices judged unfair. Cultural practices that privilege one group and restrict the practices of another are sources of conflict and change. (Author)

Typical ethical dilemmas confronted by educational administrators and their normative levels of ethical reasoning are identified in this two-phase study. The first phase, which involves in-depth interviews with 23 principals, applies the Van Hoose and Paradise (1979) developmental model of ethical reasoning to self-reports of decision making…

This book addresses the widening and deepening decline of the control of behavior toward one another that has emerged in the United States since the middle of this century, viewed by the writer as a profound problem. The volume argues the solution is a conception of moral education. The rationale here is developed in a dialogical form and…

This book addresses key issues in moral education with a detailed analysis of recent academic literature on the topic with careful rebuttals and counter-arguments presented. The purpose of the book is to deepen discussion on the topic of moral education and its place in the society. The contributing authors present a focus for discussion and…

Kohlberg's theory of moral reasoning and Hogan's theory of moral character were studied in relation to: (1) Rule Compliance; (2) Avoidance of Stealing; and (3) Moral Judgment. Hogan's theory was superior in predicting Rule Compliance while Kohlberg's theory was superior in predicting the Avoidance of Stealing and Moral Judgment. (Author/JAC)

The development of moral reasoning as a key course objective in undergraduate communication ethics classes can be accomplished by the critical and deliberate introduction of professional codes of ethics and the internalization of values found in those codes. Notably, "fostering moral reasoning skills" and "surveying current ethical…

Discusses ethics from a group practitioner's viewpoint in seven articles. Presents specific ethical issues in implementing group techniques, especially confidentiality. Summarizes survey results from 12 group experts' descriptions of critical group work incidents. Considers ethical development training for group leaders and program evaluation and…

Explored differences in moral development and attitudes toward nontoleration clause of Honor Code of U.S. Air Force Academy between cadets who were convicted honor violators (n=24) and control group of nonviolators (n=162). Found that, as cadet moral development increased from year to year, acceptance and internalization of principle of…

This 72-item bibliography presents an overview of publications related to moral development. The listing includes books and articles related to individual moral character development and how schools are involved in the development process. (EH)

This research paper critiques the philosophical basis, developmental appropriateness, and effectiveness of a school honor system and questions whether a school honor system is still an appropriate tool for character instruction in the twenty-first century. Characteristics which induce a subculture of academic deceit, as well as attributes which…

To assist counselors who face difficult situations, the helping professions have generated both ethical codes and decision-making models. Because the process of decision making seems to be related to cognitive-moral development, this article details ethical codes and decision models and speculates on how counselor level of development may…

Presents 14 questions and answers that deal with moral education and character formation in particular schools and classrooms. Suggests that schools which move in a "for character" direction are moving toward the "hallowed goal" of school community, so widely praised by educational reformers. (RS)

Distinguishes between ethical management behavior prescribed by a code of ethics and personal moral judgment (Kohlberg's third level of moral development). Argues that moral ideals translate into moral action only in the presence of capacity for individual reasoning, commitment to ideals, and ability to act accordingly. (SK)

Argues that there are two types of values held by all individuals. Contends that "hard" values are exemplified by consistent behavior and sacrifice whereas "soft" values are merely illustrated by making choices. Calls for a national consensus on recommended values that would be taught in the schools. (CFR)

Challenges Christopher Ormell's contention that individual values should be categorized into "hard" and "soft" values. Suggests that a continuum exists between the two extremes representing the degree of difficulty and sacrifice. Recommends that values education in schools be based on a continuum ranging between the two…