Do you think character and integrity based education should be taught in K-12 schools?

2015-04-24T16:41:44-04:00

I've had some really inspiring talks recently with Col Matthew Fritz & Brig Gen John Michel and they brought me to thinking more deeply about the military core values and how we as service members & veterans might teach the younger generation about these important principles. While they pertain heavily to our everyday military lives, most of the civilian world isn't taught these values in any formal teaching or instructional environment.

My question to you is, how do you think teachers, schools and parents across America would receive & support such instruction? Would you volunteer to mentor or teach character and integrity based education to local children in classrooms?

Col Fritz & Brig Gen (Ret) Michel have started a pretty revolutionary program called "Mentors Matter". The goal is to have veterans support mentorship in thousands of K-12 classrooms across the US to develop character, leadership and civic responsibility. If interested, I highly encourage you reach out to them and learn more about the program linked below. I see this as being a great way to get our kids on the right path with values that will help them both personally and professionally. I'd enjoy hearing everyone's thoughts on this or potential ways you would structure a teaching syllabus around this topic. Thanks in advance!

MentorsMatter - General Leadership

MentorsMatter is an education program spearheaded by The General Leadership Foundation (GeneralLeadership.com) and Choose2Matter (Choose2Matter.org)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 4:44 PM

2015-04-24T16:44:43-04:00

Sounds good to me. I would volunteer if it was nearby.

Response by SGT Nia Chiaraluce made Apr 24 at 2015 4:47 PM

2015-04-24T16:47:26-04:00

I whole heartedly agree with the concept. The only suggestion I would make is tying the discussion to sound morals and their importance to living an honest life. I have strong morals that I am told need to flex on a daily basis. It was because of my up bringing that I know how important integrity is and standing by your word especially if you are surrounded by people that don't see morals in that perspective.

Response by SFC Chad Sowash made Apr 24 at 2015 5:18 PM

2015-04-24T17:18:06-04:00

AB-SO-LUTLEY! They should get the LDERSHIP cards for their little wallets and 2 LDRSHIP dog tags...

;o)

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 5:28 PM

2015-04-24T17:28:27-04:00

I would be proud to participate in a program that would help instill almost any type of value into today's youth.

It seems like the only value I hear about, on a regular basis, is "I deserve it".

Response by Sgt Branden W. made Apr 24 at 2015 5:38 PM

2015-04-24T17:38:36-04:00

I already do this in my classroom. Bonus curriculum.
JJDIDTIEBUCKLE

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 24 at 2015 5:49 PM

2015-04-24T17:49:05-04:00

I think its a superb idea because we don't want adults without strong values for the fear they feel disenfranchised by society, and are more prone to behave in a manner incompatible to society.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 6:49 PM

2015-04-24T18:49:08-04:00

But....where will we find our future politicians if we start teaching these values so early?

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 24 at 2015 7:15 PM

2015-04-24T19:15:26-04:00

The name "military core values" would drive liberals crazy and they wouldn't stand for it, but Plan Parenthood is involved with public school spewing their crap without knowledge of the parents in some states. Others will say that it is a way to indoctrinate students or brain wash them but that is already happening with the silly crap public schools are filling their heads with.

Response by Cpl Toby Dodd made Apr 24 at 2015 7:58 PM

2015-04-24T19:58:41-04:00

Of course. But it will never happen. America will become much more socialized, liberalized and progressive each year. It's already a runaway snowball. In turn, it will bring out the old school more and more from us salts - and then history will repeat itself.

Too far fetched? Or agree?

Response by SPC Makissa Lewis made Apr 24 at 2015 8:45 PM

2015-04-24T20:45:57-04:00

I think in high school in JROTC programs is the best place for military values to be taught. That will ensure the students are not blindly following values but they are following values because they believe in them.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 24 at 2015 9:00 PM

2015-04-24T21:00:09-04:00

Since when was "Duty, Honor, Country" not teachable?

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Apr 25 at 2015 8:27 AM

2015-04-25T08:27:16-04:00

I ask that anyone who reads my response to read it in its entirety.

I think this is a sad subject to come across. To think that such a thing as military core values need be taught in our schools is borderline abhorrent to me. Abhorrent an overly harsh word? Sure is, but there's a reason I say that....

It's a sad fact that too many in our American society today lack morals or a positive core value system and this is a growing issue. Things like morals and positive core values are something that should be taught at home and reinforced in school, but too many times, they are not.

More and more do we see people who want something for nothing or that want to be paid a lot for doing as little as they can. Others demand more pay for having little to no skills outside of those learned from grades K-12. Still others cheat and attempt to gain unfair advantages over others.

Some do and say things that lack any kind of positive morals suck as twerking and posting half or fully naked photos of themselves on social media.

I'm not saying any of this to go on some sort of moral high horse because I've done things that I'm not proud of. I say all of this because I think it's a shame that positive morals and values aren't being taught and reinforced at home.

Since it's not always being taught at home, I guess the next step is to teach it in school. But then, it not only needs to be taught in school, but it really needs to be reinforced at home.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 25 at 2015 12:49 PM

2015-04-25T12:49:37-04:00

This is a great forum for me to pretend I know stuff. Decades ago there were housewives, the family and community raised the kids. Now there exist enumerable single parent families. When nobody is watching the child, the child will make up their own rules and values which may not be compatible with society's norms.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Apr 25 at 2015 2:00 PM

2015-04-25T14:00:19-04:00

Loyalty, Duty, Responsibility, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage -- I am voting a big YES on all these values being taught to children. The younger the better.

Response by Col Matthew Fritz made Apr 26 at 2015 12:49 AM

2015-04-26T00:49:15-04:00

All,
The purpose of the #MentorsMatter program is to facilitate character and integrity education to K-12 students via a virtual platform. With the advent of common-core, coupled with financial and resource challenges being faced by school systems throughout our country, character education was one of the first curriculum items to go. #MentorsMatter seeks to provide the resources teachers and students need to bring this type of education back to the classroom again.
Mentors Matter ™ is an innovative program spearheaded by The General Leadership Foundation (GeneralLeadership.com) and Choose2Matter (Choose2Matter.org) that leverages propriety technology to smartly and safely connect young people in grades K-12 with Veterans of our armed forces. Together, in 30-45 minute guided sessions facilitated by exclusive technology partner Nepris (Nepris.com), Veterans guide young people through a structured interactive classroom conversation designed to expose students to the character traits of highly effective citizen-leaders.

By registering as mentors, veterans will create a safe, protected profile and share their unique skills & abilities with interested educators. When the program launches in schools across America this Fall, veterans can be contacted by teachers through the system to answer the need for a facilitator in a classroom. The facilitation is easy–done virtually via computer, tablet or phone–in a safe, constructive environment utilizing a curriculum that is ready-made and simple to guide in an empowering conversation.
So my question to you is: when are you going to sign up? It's easy, free, and the program is an easy way to participate and impact future generations. Simply visit the following link to learn more:
http://generalleadership.com/programs-2/mentorsmatter/

Response by SPC Michael Frugoli made Apr 26 at 2015 1:08 AM

2015-04-26T01:08:06-04:00

I work with Children 5 and under, not the place to teach these things. However, 1-12 i think it is a great way for them to learn MORE about core values.

I think a small down fall is getting consistency from parents and support from parents. Those that dont support war or conflict or those that think "You can do better" as long as the group of children id be working with could cognitively grasp the purpose of the program. id be down

Response by SSgt Thomas L. made Apr 26 at 2015 4:28 AM

2015-04-26T04:28:10-04:00

While I support the inclusion of basic ethics and morality in public school curriculum, I don't think any military personnel should be standard employees/features in any public school. I made a personal decision to join the military. I am fully responsible for my association. Not everybody feels this way.

Let me say again. I think that things like honor, personal courage, integrity and commitment should definitely be incorporated into how public schools instruct students. I just value personal choice and freedom too much to feel inclined to wrap that message up in the "military package". I don't want to force my decision down any one else's throat.

Response by SPC Makissa Lewis made Apr 26 at 2015 9:15 AM

2015-04-26T09:15:15-04:00

Don't forget the best way to teach anyone especially a young child military core values is live them.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 26 at 2015 9:00 PM

2015-04-26T21:00:25-04:00

I've been trying to think of way to respond to this for a couple days now, and finally settled on this.

I don't think we have "Military Core Values."

I think we have "Core Values, as they are taught in the Military."

I believe all the Values we (the military) hold true are applicable to we (the People). Our Framers held these same Values. Not all of them were military. A great many were, but not all. Not all of our President's or Legislature, or Justices have been Military.

The advantage of the Military is a "rigid" educational system or indoctrination where, the Values can be highlighted EARLY. We teach these things, because they are necessary for Men & Women to know.

Unfortunately, the Civilian Sector... assumes that people just learn them through osmosis. That's a bad assumption. That's why there is college classes on Ethics. Business seminars on ethics, etc. Because these things aren't being taught early enough.

As for whether Teachers, Schools, & Parents would be willing to receive this instruction. It depends on how it's packaged. If we call it Military Core Values... we might not make friends. If we call it "The Essence of American Leadership" or some other snazzy title... I'm betting we could sell tickets at the door.

Response by SPC Peter Hawley made Apr 28 at 2015 1:15 PM

2015-04-28T13:15:19-04:00

Absolutely. As an Army veteran, I became familiar with the Army Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Sacrifice, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. These are solid values. Any student would benefit from learning these values. These values all involve developing character.

Response by MAJ William Walker made Apr 28 at 2015 1:44 PM

2015-04-28T13:44:16-04:00

I thinkAmerican core values should be taught. Military values can be used you support that but the basic values need to be taught first

Response by SGT William Rasmussen made Apr 28 at 2015 2:03 PM

2015-04-28T14:03:15-04:00

great idea, not religious, not controversial, material already out there, shows that you can be strong and still civil---maybe that would do something about violence too.

Response by LTC David Gunn made Apr 28 at 2015 2:19 PM

2015-04-28T14:19:02-04:00

This is a very compelling question, given the issues in the news of late. I'm not a proponent of more classes on values Military or otherwise. Let me explain. Each of us has an interpretation of what those core values mean and how we interpret them. So the baseline will be different from location to location. If you think I am wrong think back to all the times you sat in mandatory 350-1 class. How often was the message different or spun? In my experience nearly every time. So here is what I suggest. Veterans get involved!!! If you think things are broken or trending the wrong direction - make a difference. Our local VFW has a partnership with the school district where during the weeks leading up to Veterans Day we volunteer to speak to the 5th grade class, than on Veterans Day we go to the school and are honored by the school and the 5th grade class. This has been one of the most moving experiences of my retired life. Another activity is during Pearl Harbor Day. Again, Vets are invited to speak to the high school about our military experience. Both of these events close the gap between the next generation and those who have served. What the kids see are military values in action, in how we carry ourselves, present our service, be part of the community.

Other ways you can share military values is to volunteer at your local school. Kids you work with are generally those who need the structure and guidance you provide, and the discipline life you lead.

I feel we have talked enough about what values look like, we need to start demonstrating what strong values and commitment looks like in a life lived well.

Response by CAPT Phillip Hunt made Apr 28 at 2015 3:14 PM

2015-04-28T15:14:15-04:00

I believe that military core values are integral to public education. I am old enough to remember these same values, in different guise being part of my elementary and secondary education in the 50's in rural Missouri. Honesty, integrity, respect for one's seniors/teachers, and self-motivation were presented as the cornerstone of being a good student and good member of one's community. During the latter years of my military service as a senior officer, I detected a waning of personal understanding of accountability and personal responsibility on the part of junior enlisted and even junior officers. It is obvious that personal core values are no longer as well understood by our younger people today as they were in the past. I am sure that they are no longer taught as they once were. Our military core values are part of what our country is all about - it is time they were brought back, not only in school but at home.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 3:16 PM

2015-04-28T15:16:16-04:00

Who USSA much?

Response by GySgt Brian Robinson made Apr 28 at 2015 3:56 PM

2015-04-28T15:56:20-04:00

Some aren't being taught them at home so yes. I wouldn't necessarily call them Military core values but life values. They are something all should be taught and strive to uphold.

Response by SSgt Boyd Welch made Apr 28 at 2015 4:31 PM

2015-04-28T16:31:54-04:00

Dear Sirs,
First and foremost, military core values should be to wield an effective fighting force. I am a Vietnam vet and i've watched with dismay as the US military has become a breeding ground for social experiments.
Core values training in schools will fare just as well as curriculum has. If the values are reinforced in the home, they will benefit. If not it will fail. My question has to be are we talking about esprit de corps? Loyalty? Succeeding as a team? Or are we talking about belief systems, suppressing individual student value systems for a greater value?
I think that we need to get public support for fixing the broken system that abandons our vets when they come home. Leave the PR and external systems alone. When the government begins to honor their commitments to our active and vet populations, then maybe look at other ways to portray military values... No disrespect intended. I just want the military to focus on the primary mission.

Response by SFC Patricia Tucker made Apr 28 at 2015 4:46 PM

2015-04-28T16:46:41-04:00

Like SGT Branden Wells, I also do this in my classroom. I teach a single gender class with 24 male students, ages 10-13. They eat it up and love the idea of "being like the military". It also instills a sense of pride within them and I often hear them repeating the values to others (even though they don't realize they are doing it_.

Response by CSM Donald McGlasson made Apr 28 at 2015 5:12 PM

2015-04-28T17:12:12-04:00

I believe the core values are much more complex than most understand. The words are easy to say but the meanings are difficult to comprehend and much harder to live up to. I think the military (Army in my case) do an ok job of teaching core values but too complex for elementary students. Maybe a high school required course.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 5:21 PM

2015-04-28T17:21:59-04:00

No doubt about it! Children these days lack discipline, respect for themselves and others, moral values, and manners.

Response by CPL Stanley Boschet made Apr 29 at 2015 4:04 AM

2015-04-29T04:04:36-04:00

I believe the military values are extremely important, but today's parents are more sensitive than recent generations, they are always looking for something to complain about. Just be careful how you present it. Bc some body somewhere will try to. Say. We are brain washing them. My family is 90% military except for my father and he says I was brain washed in basic training and. AIT, my grandfather and uncle told him I was the same person with the same beliefs just fit for duty. My point is people are always looking for an excuse to point the finger, please be careful in your presentation. Plz don't get me wrong, I teach my children about duty and honor pride...... But when my father hears this he says I'm brain washing. It's this narrow minded thinking in civilians that worries me, I believe our values should be taught. But we should watch from the side lines. It would not be the first time we took the back seat to our great ideas.

Response by CPL Aloysius Grimaudo made Apr 29 at 2015 7:06 AM

2015-04-29T07:06:34-04:00

Love the idea, but without the constant stern vocal commands and " getting smoked" teens now days don't care...my girlfriends 13 y.o. son is perfect example...rebelious and only cares about himself...only time he does what he is supposed to is when he is given a stern command..and on top of that the government would never let military ways so to speak into the classroom.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 8:20 AM

2015-04-29T08:20:24-04:00

Outstanding idea. These are values that everyone should have regardless of military. Our kids need to know how to make ethical choices and work together. They need something to be a part of, to give them guidance and keep them out of mischief.

Response by SGT Fredrick Ramm made Apr 29 at 2015 9:32 PM

2015-04-29T21:32:01-04:00

Great topic! I recently wrote a letter to the editor, to rebuttal critics of a local Junior ROTC Program. I said some thing in the order of: " I met very few former, Jr. ROTC during my time during the Vietnam Era, but I think it's a good idea, to teach discipline, and just give them an idea, of what they are getting in to."
During my formative education, many of my teachers had military service: my high school Vice Principal, a tail gunner. A few Korean Vets, one a POW. My 7th grade teacher, WW II Infantry, Europe. My high school Algebra teacher, an Engineer Officer, captured in The Ardennes. My Biology Teacher, a Navy Corpsman. I figured out, that despite, the usual put down of The U.S. Army, that it had a great scope of opportunity and room for advancement, than the other services.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 5:56 PM

2015-04-30T17:56:09-04:00

I would call it ethical decision making. Value based training which would present situations and ethical delimnas in a controlled open forum. I recently wrote a paper about this for how is should be a requirement to take a course/seminar on this as part of the ciriculum. It should be started earlier than that. Great ideas, I fully support it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 6:00 PM

2015-04-30T18:00:08-04:00

I love this idea. Of course I would hope some kind of background and "quality control" checks would be in place for anyone involved with the program. Essentially something similar to modern Recruiter evaluations and some basic training on talking points would be helpful before putting someone in front of a room full of kids.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 10:59 PM

2015-04-30T22:59:12-04:00

great question a great foundation for young citizens and future warriors

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 12:22 AM

2015-05-01T00:22:49-04:00

No, I think core values, family values and personal ethic should be taught and reinforced by PARENTS. And parents, leading by example through those values, should personally invest in their children's education regardless of where it stems. We should be relying on schools to do far less for personal development and focus more at home on the nuclear family and the responsible citizen's role in community.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2015 9:28 AM

2015-05-01T09:28:46-04:00

If you really think about this these values are taught by most parents starting at birth in some way shape or form. Nobody really wants thier child to grow up disrespectful and a criminal. But we can only do our best as parents and unfortunately that is not always enough. The problem is the ones that don't teach them are the ones ruining are society.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 1 at 2015 6:18 PM

2015-05-01T18:18:57-04:00

In fact I would propose teaching morals, ethics, and norms earlier in life. It just might catch some kids who are destined to lead less than moral lives, by teaching them there are alternatives. How you live your life sounds damn important to me.

Response by PO2 Kevin LaCroix made May 5 at 2015 7:08 PM

2015-05-05T19:08:21-04:00

Honesty, integrity, service need to be taught young and reenforced constantly. I have done my best to instill these qualities in my children.

Response by SGT Christina Wilder made Jun 11 at 2015 3:27 PM

2015-06-11T15:27:46-04:00

Teaching these qualities should be supplemental, first and foremost these should be taught at home. If the family doesn't teach this by example it means nothing in school.

Response by SGT Ronald Audas made Jun 18 at 2015 6:01 PM

2015-06-18T18:01:49-04:00

As an oldtimer,this has been a source of concern for me.America has lost it`s touch of dignity.Dignity should start with character and integrity.First step would be to teach these things in the home.Next step should be to enforce these two ingredients anywhere you encounter them.This does not require a regimented course.Just a reminder that you are out of line.This should be done whether you are in school,church,in the neighborhood,or the check out line at Walmart.Having said this;I think we have let our children get too far away.I don`t know how many times i`ve heard, " you`re not the Boss of me ".

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 3 at 2015 4:51 PM

2015-08-03T16:51:40-04:00

I would like see critical analysis on why our teens are the way they are.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Aug 3 at 2015 5:22 PM

2015-08-03T17:22:31-04:00

My reaction to this challenge is a lot like jumping into a lake early in the Spring. I'm sprinting along the dock in joyful anticipation and then stop to stick my toe in and test the waters. After all, isn't this what's happening in schools today: "They" are teaching (indoctrinating?) students into "their" concepts of character and integrity. We used to have civics as part of the curriculum but that has largely disappeared. Now, instead of individual rights and responsibilities, students are being taught Utopian (socialist) concepts of equality of outcome and selfless immersion into the collective for the greater good. Thus, if we get behind any program to introduce "character and integrity based education" keep in mind that while the concept may sound good it may not be executed by people who share your values of character and integrity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJFC1qFCgyA

School children sing praises to their savior Obama

Song 1: Mm, mmm, mm! Barack Hussein Obama He said that all must lend a hand To make this country strong again Mmm, mmm, mm! Barack Hussein Obama He said we m...

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 5 at 2015 8:15 PM

2015-08-05T20:15:58-04:00

Someone has to teach them the values of society and personal accountability.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 5 at 2015 8:19 PM

2015-08-05T20:19:15-04:00

Parents should be teaching this!

Response by MSgt Tracey Stark made Nov 7 at 2016 11:48 AM

2016-11-07T11:48:18-05:00

Yes, but then again I also believe patriotism should also be taught along with respect and proper etiquette for the US flag.

Response by LTC Tom Jones made Jul 4 at 2022 5:01 PM

2022-07-04T17:01:17-04:00

This is exactly the intent of JROTC. Done right students, families, communities all benefit. Not an easy job and getting tougher as mindsets change but it can pay massive dividends.

Response by SP5 Laurie Mixter made May 28 at 2023 12:36 PM

2023-05-28T12:36:42-04:00

Yes, Yes, Yes, deal with these kids lately????? I did and could not stand to be around them, they consider being a soldier to being Rambo, or some other movies that weren't even close to the real thing during War, or real military life!!