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Moral Education in the Public Schools in the United States
An individual receives moral education in many ways through different channels. There are three institutions where moral values can be inculcated. The first is the family, then it is the church and finally through schools. Since students spend a lot of time away from home in education in schools, moral education can take place in schools. Whether intentional or implied, schools generally teach moral values to students.

Schools use four chief methods in moral education. These methods are (1) inculcation, (2) values clarification, (3) moral development, and (4) value analysis. Some schools use a combination of these methods in an approach called comprehensive moral education.

Inculcation is an effort to teach children the values that educators believe lead to moral behavior. These values include honesty, compassion, justice, and respect for others. One way of teaching such standards is to provide appropriate praise and punishment. Another means is to have teachers reflect the desired values in their own behavior.

Values clarification helps students develop their own values and moral standards by teaching them a decision-making process. The learning procedures stress setting goals, choosing thoughtfully from alternatives, and acting on one's own convictions.

Moral development helps students improve their ability to judge moral questions. This method is based on the theory that people progress from lower to higher stages of moral reasoning. According to this theory, people progress from making moral decisions based on self-interest, to seeking the approval of others, to following rules, to respecting the rights of others, and so on. At the highest moral level, an individual might oppose the laws of society if they conflict with moral principles that are even higher.

Educators stimulate moral development primarily by having students discuss difficult questions called moral dilemmas. One dilemma might be, "Should Maurice steal food to feed his starving family?" Educators also stimulate moral development by establishing just schools, in which students govern themselves according to the principles of fairness and justice.

Value analysis helps students apply techniques of logic and scientific investigation to matters involving values. Teachers stress the importance of exploring all alternatives, of gathering and evaluating the facts, and of making a logical decision.

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Failure of Moral Education in the Public Schools in the Post-Modern Era

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Introduction &
The Early American Settlers

Early American Leaders and the Resources of Moral Values

American Educational System Now and Then

Moral Education in the Public Schools in the United States

Failure of Moral Education in the Public Schools in the Post-Modern Era

Specific Moral Issues in Education for Consideration

A Future View of Moral Education in the United States

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