Three attributes considered indispensable to a successful independent school are small size, extracurricular activities and a concern for ethical values. Shows how these attributes contribute to the academic progress of students, their development of self-discipline and their maturity. (Author/RK)

In American society there seems to be an increasing emphasis on instant gratification and avoidance of pain for its individual members. These two trends-one towards hedonism and the other involving the centrality of the rights of the individual-are closely connected. Both have important effects upon the family. (Author)

Summarizes conclusions from research on sex and age differences in moral reasoning. Finds men focused on rights and women on responsiblity, and older adults better able to articulate their moral positions though no longer engaged in moral growth. Suggests changes in the content and pedagogy of moral education. (DMM)

Laments the widespread cheating among public school students and their lack of imagination in cheating methods, and then recounts the story of two ingenious master cheaters (fraternity brothers) at the University of North Carolina. (NKA)

Study examined whether 50 Korean children made conceptual distinctions between morality and social convention. Findings indicated that, at all ages, children treated moral transgressions as more generally wrong and independent of rules than conventional transgressions. (Author/RWB)

Issues in effective diagnosis of such dishonest behavior as cheating, lying, and nonconfrontative stealing are discussed. Published intervention approaches for dishonest behavior are reviewed, including negative sanctions, direct appeals to morality, public affirmation, covert sensitization, timeout, reinforcement contingency procedures, and…

Reaction of educators to court decision in "Mozert v. Hawkins County" should be tempered with common sense and flexibility. In his research on basal readers and textbooks, Paul Vitz found a distorted presentation of family life, neglect of the role of religion in contemporary American life, and neglect of patriotism, business, labor, and…

An overview of the theory and practice of moral education in Germany is provided. Special emphasis is given to the historical background of current theories of moral development as well as to legal and political questions concerning the present state of moral education in Germany. (Author/RM)

To be successful, the law-related curriculum must help students develop decision making skills, develop empathy, and make ethical judgments. Teaching strategies that can be used in kindergarten and the elementary grades are suggested. (RM)

Questions certain assertions and recommendations in the reform reports. Argues that if reforms were implemented, schooling would become more highly stratified and low-income children would suffer, that too many reforms entail conservative calls for centralization, and that the crisis in public schooling reflects a deeper crisis in the American…

This large-scale replication undertaken in 1980 of a smaller study carried out in 1976-77 supports the original study's findings, i.e., Australian adolescents have a more personal morality than was the case in the early 1960s, with an emphasis on self and self-reliance, but not at the expense of others. (Author/RM)

Government and ethics teachers should educate students in the "wholesale sanity" of American democracy. In particular they should (1) identify and defend the principles of the American constitutional order, (2) criticize government actions departing from these principles, and (3) seek means by which to correct for these departures. (RM)

This book about teaching virtues is based on a fundamental American Indian view that sees the universe as intimate relationships of living things that are vitally affected by attributes called universal virtues. These virtues cross all boundaries and cannot be "taught" in isolation. They are woven into all subjects that are worth…

The Rating Ethical Content System (RECS) was developed for adults, but the question remains whether children can recognize moral themes in media with the same competency as adults. The current study aims to test a modified version of the existing scale (RECS-K) for use by children in order to determine whether children can recognize ethical…

This collection of lesson materials for high school teachers and students focuses on the study of ethics and values that underlie the political process in the United States. The collection is meant to encourage teachers and students to examine the value conflicts that frequently appear in the electoral process and stimulate student thinking about…