Learning Ethics

The Ethics Center recently completed several programs on character education at Bay Area high schools in Saratoga, Palo Alto, and Independence in San Jose. The pilot, at Saratoga, was a three-part program including separate educational and informational sessions for teachers and parents and a two-day workshop for students.

Highlighting the workshop were skits performed by Santa Clara University students depicting ethical situations common to the high school experience. Actors paused during the skits and, while remaining in character, talked with students, explaining and defending their behavior. The programs for teachers and parents focused on specific skills that can encourage character development, as well as on stronger communication with teens.

High School Ethics is one part of a larger program that includes Ethics Camp for teachers and programs for grammar schools and community organizations. Schools interested in character-education programs for the 1998-99 school year should contact the Ethics Center at 408-554-5319.