Teaching in public schools has gotten more and more complicated over the past few decades. When I was a student, teachers didn't have to worry much if they wanted to help encourage and reinforce moral character in their pupils. In fact, from the beginning, educational practice in this country was based on moral principles common to people of every background. 

Until the 20th century, ethical values strongly influenced American education, not by promoting sectarian doctrines, but by encouraging a higher standard of thinking and conduct.

Now things may be turning around somewhat. For a lot of folks, the "last straw" has been put on the pile! 

Thomas Lickona, a developmental psychologist and professor of education from Washington, D.C., writing for the publication "Educational Leadership," observed that “Concern over the moral condition of American society is prompting a re-evaluation of the school's role in teaching values.” The violence, lack of respect for authority and outright disregard for human dignity evident in many schools is causing many to take a second look at the place and function of the teaching profession. 

Lickona suggests at least three causes for the increased interest in character education:

The decline of the family. He proposes that schools must teach what the home has lost the ability and/or desire to teach.  And they must help students accept responsibility by modeling it.

Troubling trends in youth character. Brought on by poor parenting and role models, as well as the sex, violence and materialism seen in the mass media and encouraged by peer group pressure, these tendencies include "violence, dishonesty, bigotry, early sexual activity, se/f­ centeredness, self-destructive behavior and ethical illiteracy."

A recovery of shared, objectively important ethical values. Many want to recover some of the moral responsibly of the past. He notes that "We are recovering the wisdom that we do share a basic morality, essential for our survival." Rather than being a subjective, nostalgic longing for the good, old days, this wisdom is the understanding that "these values...have objective worth and a claim on our collective conscience."

There are other indications of the desire for a renewal of morality in our society, too numerous for this brief article. They may not be, in every case, the result of people reading their Bibles and having a clear and conscious understanding of how God's will is best. 

But we can be thankful for people doing God's will, regardless of their motivation. And we can try to help them discover the prime source of moral excellence.

As children of God, we can do a lot to encourage a return to a higher standard of morality in our communities. A godly home is still the best tool for developing morally-reliable individuals. But we should use every means possible, including the school environment, to get back to where we ought to be.

The devil has influenced our schools too long. God help us reclaim them!