Character Education: Controversy and Consensus. Controversial Issues in Education Series.

Overview & Synopsis

This book draws on conversations with six individuals, each of whom offers a distinct approach to character education and speaks to the problems and the practical side of designing, implementing, and evaluating character education. The text opens with an overview of character education, exploring what it is, moral dilemmas, goals, and criticisms. It then presents six conversations, with a chapter devoted to each. Chapter 1, "Character Education and the Hard Business of School," looks at psychology versus the development of character, parenting and character, and a study of virtue. The second chapter, "The Current Condition of Character Education," discusses program diversity, elementary versus secondary programs, and the volatility of character-education programs. Chapter 3 examines "Character Education and Its Prospects for Success," whereas chapter 4 details "Character Education in the Classroom," focusing on teachers, moral dilemmas, and reflective practice. The last two chapters, "A Grassroots Character Education Program," and "Schoolwide Character Education," discuss ways to develop a program, the choice of materials, and program effectiveness. (RJM)