Public Policy Considerations in Ethical Education.

Overview & Synopsis

Persons responsible for ethical education policy formation in the United States must consider two factors: (1) variations in ethical awareness of a pluralistic society; and (2) the current status of ethical education in the public schools. Recent Gallup Polls indicate public demand for ethical education in the schools, although there is no consensus among parents and teachers as to the specific nature of ethical behavior and/or moral behavior. The document identifies key issues and problems of public policy for ethical education, including content and procedure of ethical education in the schools, school/community and student/school relationships, and student attitudes towards ethical education programs. The paper refers to existing recommendations by educational authorities for addressing these issues and problems and reviews state educational agency programs in moral reasoning, personal development, law-related education, community awareness, school community relations, and economic-political education. Instructional assessment by state departments of education, objectives, and criteria for success of ethical education programs are considered. A major demonstration of the success of ethical education would be public demonstration of democratic values through ethical action and manner of practice. The conclusion is that public policy makers should take advantage of public desire for ethical education and make the schools a catalyst for renewal of public cooperative actions of an ethical nature. (Author/DB)