Character Education: Removing the Barriers to Health Education Participation

Abstract

Development of values, moral principles, and ethical standards has long been a part of American education, although the approach and goals have varied during different time periods. Currently there is a great deal of interest in a type of such education, termed “character education,” which is different from the values clarification approach that recently has dominated the field. Although the essence of character education is as old as education itself, its current “reincarnation” has aroused a great deal of interest, controversy, and attention. Health education, however, has been conspicuously absent from any dialogue about this emerging trend. The intent of this article is to stimulate health educator interest in character education, address barriers to participation, and support the need for professional involvement.