The very existence of pluralism and democratic societies is based on a commitment to certain values, since they do not keep their members in line by sheer force. Theoretically this means that antidemocratic values choices of large numbers of people would lead to the end of such societies. Thus a problem encountered by these societies is how to…

Examined the effects of an initial test of a dual intervention program designed to enhance moral reasoning and person efficacy among fifth- and sixth-grade children in order to determine whether the intervention would advance behavior reflective of moral attributes. Found that the study group advanced in several of the efficacy measures as well as…

Since teen violence, crime, drug abuse, and teen pregnancies are a concern to parents and educators, this study looks at the values that are important to adolescents. The sample consisted of 550 Kentucky high school students in one state who completed a values survey (included). Results show that overall, teens reached consensus, (i.e., 67% of the…

Although there has been reluctance to support direct methods of teaching moral values and character traits, due in part to lack of consensus about whose values should be taught, a national call to rethink that trend has begun to be heard. An up-to-date account is provided of the recommendations of the Oregon State Board of Education to mandate…

Teaching moral behavior in schools is particularly difficult today because there is a diversity of standards reflecting the diverse elements of the culture. Even if consensus on morality could be assumed, however, past experience suggests that students would reject much of it, and neither arguing with them nor joining their rebellion is…

This book is a call to those within higher education to remain clear and consistent about the core values--service, truth, freedom, equality, individuation, justice, and community--that play a critical role in American society. It provides suggestions to help administrators and faculty to incorporate these values into their own practice and…

A comparative analysis of values education in the United States, Germany, Japan, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, Sweden, and Canada analyzed eight assertions: (1) No institution with education as its primary aim can be value neutral; (2) Countries differ in values which characterize their political cultures and in values which are taught in…

Criticizes character education programs that tend merely to present moral values to students, believing this produces socially responsible behavior. Argues listing values is simplistic and ineffective. Recognizes the situational complexity that confounds making moral choices. Suggests character education must contend with value conflicts and guide…