-
Colonial Schools & Christian Principles
Colonial schools & communities were small, allowing parents to easily control the values and what was being taught within the schools. In 1776, 100% of textbooks contained moral and religious content.
Mulkey, Y. (1997). The history of character education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 68, 35-37. -
Period: to
Separation of Church & School
With the separation of church & school, the public became more involved and decisive as to what would be taught in schools. What was once a religious basis for education was now shifting into secular purpose for education. Mulkey, Y. (1997). The history of character education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 68, 35-37. -
Thomas Jefferson's Report of the Commissioners
In 1818, Thomas Jefferson's Report of the Commissioners for the University of Virginia state the primary purpose of education were “morals, understanding of duties to neighbors and country, knowledge of rights, and intelligence and faithfulness in social relations" (Noddings, 2005). Noddings, N. (2005). What does it mean to educate the whole child? Educational Leadership, 63(1), 8-13. -
Period: to
Secularization Period
Large populations of immigrants began to settle in large cities to support their families as factory workers. Schools shifted their focus to match those values found in factories: punctuality, orderliness, respectfulness, & rule following. These were seen as more important than content knowledge. Mulkey, Y. (1997). The history of character education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 68, 35-37. -
The 1st McGuffey Reader
McGuffey readers were introduced in school as a tool to teach the ABCs with Bible verses. Gonzo. (2009). An outline history of religion in American schools. Retrieved from http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2201818/posts -
Girard's Proposal
Girard proposed schools should teach morals without using the Bible, but the Supreme court ruled against him. Gonzo. (2009). An outline history of religion in American schools. Retrieved from http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2201818/posts -
Tax Free Schooling
Tax free schools were established & the concern of whether or not instilling moral education would occur through public education. Mulkey, Y. (1997). The history of character education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 68, 35-37. -
Banning the Holy Bible
The Holy Bible was banned from public schools. The debate of whether or not moral education could be taught without religious principle began as a result. Mulkey, Y. (1997). The history of character education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 68, 35-37. -
Children's Morality Code
William Hutchins developed a code emphasizing self control, good health, kindness, truth, sportsmanship, teamwork, self reliance, duty, responsibility, and good workmanship. Mulkey, Y. (1997). The history of character education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 68, 35-37. -
Period: to
Character Education Study
Hartshorne & May conducted a study on 10,865 children (5th grade to 8th grade) to determine the effects of moral education. They concluded that character education programs, religious instruction, and moral education had no effects on the behavior outcomes of students. Mulkey, Y. (1997). The history of character education. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 68, 35-37. -
Dewey's Democracy of Education
Dewey (1944) wrote that, “All education which develops power to share effectively in social life is moral…Interest in learning from all the contacts of life is the essential moral interest." Dewey, J. (1944). Democracy and education. New York: The Free Press. -
Banning of School Prayer
Engel v. Vitale declared state sponsored prayer in public schools unconstitutional. Savage, S. (2006). Character education in America's public schools. Retrieved from http://www.redorbit.com/news/education/456519/character_education_in_americas_public_schools/ -
Character Counts!
Michael Josephson created a non-profit organization in honor of his parents, Joseph & Edna. His program revolved around the six pillars of ethical traits: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Joesphson, M. History of character counts! Retrieved from https://charactercounts.org/history/