Does it matter how Schools Teach Values? by Brian V. Hill. Australian Christian Lobby National Conference Papers Is the school just a minor player in the quest for values? Research would indicate that until recently, home then peer-group, then voluntary groups and finally, in fourth place, schools influenced value formation. State school systems have traditionally been required to adhere to the myth of ‘value neutrality.’ How should the teaching of values be implemented? By the increasingly dysfunctional family? Voluntary groups? Or the commercial media with its ‘please yourself attitude.’

Schools do teach values – it is inevitable. Schools must reflect the common good. It is in our interest to defend a pluralistic democracy, and to have religious schools concerned to seek the common good. The curriculum must foster the direct study of values, through values transmission, through clarification, and negotiation on which should prevail. The curriculum must include the study of major world-views. It has to be recognised that Christians do have opportunity for valid community service, and it is not the time for Christians to turn their backs on the public schools of Australia.

The complete transcript is available at http://www.acl.org.au/