Character Education

This week we focused on moral and character education.  RCW 28A.150.211 mandates some form of character or moral education must be included in Washington schools (Williams).  It gives the responsibility and decision making to the local level.  This week we discussed what this looks like in our schools.

A.M. said, “teaching about morality is part of the ‘hidden curriculum.’” In her classroom she weaves it into her English classroom through choosing literature that promotes discussion of values.  S. M. said, “In my class, teaching citizenship means treating everyone I meet with respect and kindness. Students pick up this modeling. Furthermore, we generate expectations together in kid-friendly language. Kids love this! In one foul swoop, the students think through expectations everyone will abide by, and the justifications behind it. They actually end up mirroring the 8 values/traits mentioned in the lecture.”   Kirk (1987) promotes the idea that values are “caught not taught”.  The idea that values are “caught not taught” shifts the “center of gravity from ‘taught’ (teacher) to ‘caught’ (learner)” (“Values, Citizenship, and Moral Education”).  The student needs to get involved and take responsibility and they need to make decisions about the way they want to live.

C. L. discussed the fact that citizenship should be modeled from the moment students walk in the door.  This includes the norms and expectations that we set.  This got me excited because as I think about the beginning of the new school year, I have the opportunity to think through I will set up my classroom to promote these values.  I want to make sure that my students are a part of setting up the norms and expectations.  I believe that his ownership helps students understand the “why” behind rules and helps them take the expectations to heart.

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