Values education in American public schools: an overview with implications for the future

In the history of the American public school, teachers have consistently played a major role in the transmission of values and that function continues today. Yet there is a great deal of conflict in the arena of values education over the question : Which values are to be taught? Following the traditional Rankean historicist method of historical research, this study features a detailed examination of the history of values education in the United States as well as the philosophy of those involved in selecting the values to be taught. The focus is upon the differing views between those of a more conservative paradigm who consider themselves traditionalists and those with a more liberal paradigm who consider themselves multiculturalists. Included is an overview of current policies and practices and a presentation of values education principles and practices across the nation that have potential to unite Americans of all perspectives.