Mid-Century Education Reform and the Character of Citizens

Authors

Molly Jessup, Syracuse University

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Amid the movement to address perceived problems in American education, some reformers have turned to the notion of character building.

Character training is education is reminiscent of an earlier effort to shape the development of youth. Life adjustment education, a mid-twentieth century reform movement intended to infuse the curriculum with practical life skills, with a goal of preparing youth to fulfill their role as citizens. Life adjustment education has often been characterized as a failed movement, resulting in as much controversy as many current reforms. This article argues that character training in life adjustment education materials reveal a connection to citizenship that is lost in its modern iteration.

Recommended Citation

Jessup, Molly (2013) "Mid-Century Education Reform and the Character of Citizens," The Councilor: A National Journal of the Social Studies: Vol. 74: No. 2, Article 6.
Available at: https://thekeep.eiu.edu/the_councilor/vol74/iss2/6