Four Objectives for Effective Values-Based Education

Adapted from Novel News, Fall 1999, Vol. 7

A growing number of educators and state boards of education across the country are looking toward character education programs to improve the moral climate of their schools. Although available programs may differ in their approach, four common objectives surface. The Center for Learning addresses these objectives with their publications and services.

Involving parents and the community in the design and implementation of the program Teachers, parents, community members and students can achieve consensus and understanding once channels of communication are opened to them. Establishing networks, such as the Values Network, enables teachers to share ideas, parents to be engaged in the education process, community members to offer reinforcement and support, and students to provide feedback about their changing needs.

Developing values-based curriculum materials Providing opportunities for critical thinking and ethical reflection within academic instruction is paramount for values-based education. Center for Learning curriculum units integrate ethical values in the English/Language Arts, Social Studies, and Novel/Drama series, to offer the total education experience-the social, intellectual, and moral development of youth.

Providing teacher training for values-based instruction Teachers are aware of the growing complexity of their profession. Only through unified goals and shared experiences can they hope to foster a values-based learning climate. In addition to providing teacher-writing resource units, The Center for Learning is actively recruiting teachers who can in-service others in maintaining healthy, academic/values-based environments.

Integrating values across the curriculum One of the most effective ways to integrate values is to start a total school/community values-based reading program. The Center for Learning's (referenced in accompanying Director's Dialogue) complimentary directory, Creating a Values-Based Literature Program, is a comprehensive management tool used to involve teachers, parents, and community leaders in designing the reading program. The directory lists 300 teacher resource units by theme, cultural setting, academic activities, and ethical values. A cross-reference chart identifies the unit's literary form, grade level, reading level, interdisciplinary connections, and video availability.

If we want the results of values-based education, we must all work toward making it happen. Putting ethics in action encourages students to also become participants-not just the recipients-in a values-based education program.