Ethics in Action Series

Made possible by a grant from The School for Ethical Education

This past year Character.org invited leading-edge researchers and practitioners to share with us the best strategies, practices, and approaches that cultivate integrity and ethical behavior in students. Enjoy!

Dr. Jason Stephen is a professor of education at the University of Auckland and International Center for Academic Integrity board member. His webinar is entitled Cheating Others and Lying to Ourselves:The Role of Self-Deception in Academic Misconduct.

Dr. Karen Bohlin is currently the director of the Practical Wisdom Project at the Abigail Adams Institute. A veteran educator, she talked to Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org, about how students and school leaders can develop the skills and dispositions of practical wisdom.

Dr. David Wangaard is the Executive Director of The School for Ethical Education. He sat down with Dr. Debra Cohen, our Director of Ethical Education, to explain the Tri-Factor Model for Ethical Functioning and how the model can help students develop their own moral compass.

Dr. Phil Brown is a recognized expert on school culture and climate. He discusses with Dr. Debra Cohen, our Director of Ethical Education, how school leaders can develop and implement an intentional culture of belonging that reaches all students and parents.

Amy Mueurs is CEO of the National Youth Leadership Council. She talks to Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org, about how service learning can make a difference in the lives of students.

Dr. Matt Davidson is co-founder and president of Excellence with Integrity Institute. In a wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Arthur Schwartz, president of Character.org, Matt shares why he has dedicated his professional life to helping leaders create a culture of character within their schools, teams, or organizations.

Dr. Kevin Basik is a retired Air Force officer who is now in a leadership role at the National Medal of Honor Museum and Institute. An expert on behavioral integrity, he talks with Dr. Arthur Schwartz, president of Character.org, about how to foster a culture of honor in K-12 schools.

Dr. Debra Cohen is the John Winthrop Wright Director of Ethical Education at Character.org. In this webinar she discussed how to create a culture of integrity in a wide range of approaches, strategies, and practices to equip all students to choose the harder right than the easier wrong.

Dr. Mark Liston created the Character Growth Index (CGI) to help young people identify their own character goals. He recently talked with Dr. Arthur Schwartz, president of Character.org, about the CGI and how the index inspires students to reflect on their character.

Are You Encouraging Your Students to Strengthen Their Character Muscles?

By Wendy Horbinski - Coordinator, Laws of Life One of the best opportunities that a school environment provides is multiple “fresh starts” throughout the academic year. Whether your calendar is divided into quarters, trimesters, or semesters, each of these “mini new...

5 Ways That Thanksgiving Day Helps to Shape Our American Character

By Dr. Arthur Schwartz Right after the Forum I came across a book in my office that I meant to read a few years ago, but never did. That night I started to read the book and I couldn’t put it down. Titled Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American...

Why Don’t Most Parents Teach The Golden Rule?

By Dr.Arthur Schwartz and John Kabashinski A new survey finds that only 14% of parents teach their kids the Golden Rule, and over a quarter don’t even know what it is. Why? The Golden Rule, treating others as you want to be treated, is one of the oldest and most
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Character.org is also excited to present a 5-part blog and webinar series on questions related to honesty and integrity.

Part 1: Why Do Kids Lie? | Part 2: Why Do Kids Steal? | Part 3: Why Do Kids Cheat?

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You can reach out with any questions about the Ethics In Action Series to information@character.org

Commitment

Parents need to commit to model and reinforce to their children the core values and character strengths that mean the most to them. They also need to be creative and offer meaningful experiences that illuminate how important these character strengths are to the family’s core values.

Conversations

We know “We need to talk” freaks kids out, but too often parents avoid having conversations about character, especially as children get older. While it may not be easy to talk sometimes, we know from the research that parents who avoid talking to their children about serious matters quickly lose trust and connection.

Celebration

Parents need to find ways for their children to be active participants in their own character growth. Optimal character development occurs when children begin to make self-motivated commitments to consistently practice a core value (e.g. “I want to be the kind of person who is always honest and shows up on time.”) Parents need to celebrate these moments to shape and define individual character.