Any type of evaluation that attempts to gather empirical data has flaws and far too many variables to be reliable and predictable. The fact that adults are doing the research on kids invalidates the findings. All testing ever did is to take what is implicit and make it explicit.

The most accurate research for character education is unobtrusive / non reactive research. Simply stated observe students and their choices made over a long period of time. The kids we have trained in Values in Action! were identified by their behavior and actions by the receiving schools they attended. Findings-They reported they knew they were from our schools before they even asked them what school they graduated from because of their responsible and respectful behavior.

(Values in Action! has the longest longitudinal Study in America-25 years)

We don't believe that merely teaching kids about values, learning ethical codes of behavior or even making ethical decisions apart from contributing to noble and just causes makes a difference.

Value Posters and Values themes taught in isolation and without clear reference points make little or no impact. The major contribution values and virtues make is to contribute and support to one's purpose in life. Either we are purpose driven or activity driven.

Longitudinal studies that record the things we learned from yesterday, the things we are going to work on today, and the things we want to share with the world are far more valuable goals.

(Values in Action! Kids are trained to identify their purpose , know the 4 major relationships required to support their purpose, and to acquire the 4 essential skills to live their life on purpose. )

Values in Action! entire training focuses the student to real world/life decisions. We have and will continue Identified simple Ideas that make a significant Impact.

Gene Bedley