Reflections on Character Education

Deb Gahman, Hamilton Strategies
Deb recently joined Hamilton Strategies after 23 years as a Christian School educator.

There’s a lot of talk these days about Character Education and the teaching of Ethics in school and in the workplace. In fact, many public schools have not only opted to cover these topics, but have now officially included them in the school district curriculum.

In her article, “What Happened to Ethics?”, Vicki Salemi quotes a business school professional, a co-founder of a training and consulting firm, and an MBA student at a major university. The common thread in their comments is that the core of ethics is being a good citizen by being truthful and choosing right over wrong which leads to the creation of good corporate citizens.

In addition to teaching young adults the importance of honesty in the business world and in all of life’s avenues, these sources were quoted as saying the following:

on servant leadership -“the decision to serve rather than to be served is key to effective leadership…We teach students that sometimes when the numbers look right, the decision is still wrong. A lot of ethics are instilled by operating on a set of values.” Kenneth Blanchard, co-founder of The Ken Blanchard Companies

on ethics -“We teach it as a hard right instead of the easy wrong…We teach them to frequently flex the ethical muscle so when they graduate and enter the work force it becomes second nature.” Paul Fiorelli, Xavier University

on doing the right thing -“Ethics shape how we ought to behave as an employee, a friend, a co-worker, a citizen [and as] a person.” Casey Field, M.B.A. student, Villanova University

While I agree that we need to teach and train young people how to exhibit ethical behavior in all of life, and I applaud those who have devoted their time and talents to doing just that, I have to wonder about the values on which they base the training.

Years ago, most people agreed upon right and wrong in our society, and on the consequences that went along with making wrong choices. Today, however, it is increasingly difficult to find those who will stand up for truth that is based on God’s Word. In an effort to promote equality in our society, the black and white of lies and truth has been watered down to a muddled gray, leaving the door of ethics wide open for interpretation. Whose ethics are we teaching?

This is where the importance of an education based on God’s Truth is invaluable. Not only do we want to train our children in the truth at home, but it is becoming increasingly apparent that our children are in need of training in character development and ethics at school.

Now, the question is, do you know the central driving force in the values system of your child’s educators? Is it the one true God to whom you have entrusted your life? When your child is faced with a dilemma about right and wrong at school, is there someone he can go to who will base their advice and guidance on the teachings of the God of the universe? Do you have the assurance that your child is in the presence of teachers who will lead them in godly ways throughout their interactions with peers? If you answered yes to all of these questions, you must be the parent of a child who attends a Christian school.


To read Vicki Salemni’s article in its entirety, go to:
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/Departments/eLearning/Default.aspx?article=WhatHappenedEthics&GT1=27001