Kevin Ryan and Karen Bohlin

Many commentators assert that education plays a vital role in determining the values and moral character of youths. In the following viewpoint, Kevin Ryan and Karen Bohlin insist that “character education”—in which students are taught core values in the classroom—is missing from the curriculum of schools nationwide. Among these universally accepted core values are integrity, perseverance, and other traits that would help young people lead moral lives. Ryan and Bohlin are authors of Building Character in Schools: Practical Ways to Bring Moral Instruction to Life.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How do Ryan and Bohlin support their claim that educators should teach values in schools"
2. What is one objection to mandating character education in school, according to the authors"
3. How do the...