Character education is a type of instruction that focuses on values, such as honesty, responsibility, respect, caring, and fairness among students. The character education movement encourages schools to develop programs that emphasize ethics and responsibility. Supporters of such programs believe that “good character” can be formed through teaching, the setting of examples, and practice in a supportive school community. The long-term goal of character education is the development of a more responsible and caring society.
Character education begins with the establishment of core ethical values that form the basis for instruction in school and the community. The values are then integrated into school activities and into the general lesson strategies of the teachers. Character education can be presented at any grade level. In early grades, character education usually emphasizes behavioral skills. In later grades, it includes such topics as reducing prejudice and resolving conflicts. Service learning, in which students participate in programs that help others, is a central component of character education.
Character education programs are widespread in the United States. A variety of organizations—including nonprofit associations, universities, and school districts—suggest strategies for effectively incorporating character education into the curriculum. A similar emphasis on character education can be found in schools in most developed nations.
See also Moral education .
