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…

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…

This paper examines the research literature on character education and advocates its inclusion in the public school curriculum. Research indicates a connection between a lack of moral and ethical development and destructive behavior among children. Sections of the paper include: (1) Introduction; (2) "The American Moral Heritage"; (3)…

Presents the basics of intellectual development that are needed to comprehend college students' ethical development. Discusses character development, tolerance for diversity, and intellectual development. Profiles a model of morality. Explores interpretative systems for determining the moral ideal, and provides case studies that illustrate the…

Campuses across the country have adopted an amazing variety of processes for resolving student discipline cases. This article compares and contrasts some of those processes and highlights strengths and weaknesses of different approaches. (Author/KW)

Argues that decency and good manners are not optional but essential ingredients of a democratic society. Discusses examples of decency and good manners in relation to citizenship education. Claims that there is an implicit and explicit role for schools to teach decency as part of the curriculum. (CFR)

The relationship between moral thinking at the level of specific rules and precepts and at the abstract, universal level is discussed, and it is argued that the first-level virtues are as necessary as those based on abstraction. The demands of education for moral life in a pluralistic society are considered. (PP)

This paper examines the development of character education requirements in New Hampshire public school curricula and the education of teachers to be certified to teach character education. The research literature is reviewed and examples of programs for character development are described. Several observations provide helpful insights on the…

Current literature on academic dishonesty identifies many factors that influence students to cheat, faculty members' responses to cheating, and ways that campuses have sought to deter cheating. Through an appropriate use of both educational and developmental programs and due process policy responses, campuses can make real progress in the struggle…

This report outlines a K-12 social justice curriculum combining interdisciplinary instruction, guided and broadly-based research, and teamwork with teachers and students. Students also have opportunities to develop contacts with the media and other agencies at many levels outside the school, to research and support personal viewpoints, to study…

Presents an analysis of the fundamental procedural elements of a student code of conduct, including thoughts on code development and structure. The code elements are illustrated by highlights from court opinions involving student disciplinary matters. (Author/KW)

As violence within American communities has become an increasingly common problem, the developmental and psychological consequences of exposure to community violence have become issues of import. Conditions of pervasive violence have deleterious effects on the development of moral reasoning, as they offer limited environmental opportunities for…

For a successful transition to adulthood, young people need opportunities to be responsible, caring, participating members of society. A study was designed to test the effectiveness of peer discipline control in seventh grade classrooms. The context was a language arts class in which the students were learning parliamentary procedures. A class…