The Case for a Strong Values Education Program in Public Schools

The accumulating evidence related to the various forms of violence throughout our society indicates a need for values instruction in educational institutions. The main issue is the vigor of those efforts. A significant number of schools have created low intensity programs which seem out of step with the severity of the problem. They portend failure in this critical area. The nation needs high intensity efforts that clearly reflect society's fervent intent to correct its values deficit. Such a program must involve broad-based groups who are fully dedicated to its objectives and informed about its procedures.