Explores differences and similarities in values held by early adolescents in Mainland China and Taiwan using samples of seventh graders from each area. Finds many differences between values held by adolescents in the two regions and between boys and girls. Discusses findings in relation to existing literature. (DSK)

Democracy's strength and Achilles's heel is freedom. The freedom democracy espouses permits myriad intrusions into schooling's primary mission--educating the young for the stewardship of democracy. Teachers must be caring, moral stewards of our schools--educated to understand democratic fundamentals and become good "crap detectors." (MLH)

Presents research that evaluated the extent to which a biotechnology course enabled female secondary students to develop the skills to analyze bioethical issues. The emergent significance of the study lies in the recognition of the value systems that underpin the ethical decision-making processes of teenage girls. Contains 20 references.…

Character education's goal is to help young people know, care about, and act on core ethical values such as fairness, honesty, kindness, respect for others, and responsibility. In this interview, a high school principal in Memphis, Tennessee, explains how staff implemented a separate character-education course. (MLH)

Whether or not suicide may be considered a rational choice for clients with terminal illness is controversial. Rational suicide and the literature and statistics pertaining to suicide and terminal illness are reviewed. Implications of accepting rational suicide as a treatment option, including moral and ethical issues, are addressed. (Author/EMK)

Maintains that although Kohlberg emphasized the importance of perspective taking in moral reasoning, his view of developmental stages is inconsistent with this position. Argues that a modification of Kohlberg's conception of stages drawing on Piagetian theory would result in a view of moral reasoning as a process of coordinating all perspectives…

Examines the validity of the conduct disorder hypothesis of adolescent drug involvement on a large drug clinic-referred sample (N=2,582). It was hypothesized that factors of delinquency would account for the most variance in drug use compared to three competing factors (psychological distress, nonconventional values, and family distress). Analyses…

Investigates the personality traits that people believe to characterize moral exemplars and to compare that trait description with those for related types of exemplars. Reveals differences in personality attributions across types of exemplars and indicates that traits reflecting the Conscientiousness and Agreeableness factors were salient for the…

Argues that there are four senses of understanding that are relevant to the possibility of educating for tolerance and consensus in situations of diversity in beliefs and attitudes. Contends that education in understanding, by teachers sensitive to the abilities of children, could make a contribution to the promotion of tolerance. (CMK)

The editors chose character education as the theme for this "School Administrator" special issue because it undergirds school leaders' true mission: creation of community, advocacy for children, and preservation of democracy through public education. Authors tackle numerous topics, from the need to recapture a sense of civic duty and…

Surveyed 31 teachers regarding types of moral situations they encounter and how preparation programs should enlighten new teachers. Teachers feel uneasy about resolving problems involving student cheating, colleagues' unprofessional behavior, and inappropriate parental demands. Elementary teachers are concerned about misuse of standardized tests;…

Examining moral values and normative criteria in education, it is argued that evaluators are not just social scientists with expertise about scientific methods but also make value judgments about programs, policies, and interventions. Evaluators must consider the ethical assumptions from which they operate in conducting evaluations. (SLD)

Explores the question of teaching virtue, which has been discussed for at least 2,500 years. The anonymous "Dissoi Logoi" of ancient Greece contained a series of arguments on both sides of the question, and the author concluded that virtue could be taught. Lessons are drawn for contemporary educators. (SLD)

Investigates the relationship between racial biases and educational experiences among undergraduate students (N=167) from a Northeastern university. From their responses to the College Student Experiences Questionnaire and the Modern Racism Scale, it was determined that reduced levels of racial prejudice were associated with enhancing students'…

Religion and spirituality influence people's lives and behavior. Eight major religions are briefly explained so that experiential educators can examine what they mean and draw implications for addressing spirituality in educational programs. Excerpts from new federal guidelines about religion and schools are presented to consider from a global…