1. Building Character in Schools
Kevin Ryan &
Karen Bohlin
Presented by:
Helen Reyes
Portfolio Table of Contents
(link will only work if in “view show” mode

2. Ten Commandments Exodus 34:28 Huge community of God’s people
Moses was up on the mountain with the Lord forty days and forty nights. In all that time he neither ate nor drank. At that time he wrote the terms of the covenant—the Ten Commandments—on the stone tablets.
Huge community of God’s people
God saw a need for universal rules or commandments as terms for covenant
Separation of church and state claims – displaying the ten commandments
Even in a time of grace, rules are necessary

3. Interaction of the Worldview Model Components
Diagram A
Interaction of the Worldview Model Components
Christ the Creator
(Colossians 1:14-16)
&
Individuals Under Lordship
(Phil. 2:9-11)
Philosophical Base
Col: 2:8
Epistemological
Ethical
Axiological
Aesthetics
Nature of Man
Trinitarian
(See Chart One)
It is our responsibility to follow the model of Jesus and build communities that also reflect Jesus
Acceptance/Rejection
(I Cor. 2:14-16)
&
Application
Evolutionary Worldview Beliefs
Consequences: Romans 1
YEC Worldview
Beliefs
Dr. Steve Deckard

4. Joshua 1:7
Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do.
When God’s people obeyed – things went well
When God’s people didn’t obey His laws – things did not go well

5. Building a Community of Virtue
By: Kevin Ryan
Karen E. Bohlin

6. Key Concepts/Terms Polis (Greek city)
A group of people who share a vision for what constitutes a civilized life
Not by chance
Shared principles and core beliefs
Committed citizens
Safe place
Compared to outside the walls

7. Key Concepts/Terms School is like a polis
A group of people who share a vision for what constitutes a civilized life
Not by chance
Shared principles and core beliefs
Committed citizens
Safe place
Compared to outside the walls
Unfortunately, some schools are no more safe inside than outside

8. Key Concepts/Terms Ethos Character Nature or disposition
Shared values, common goals

9. Key Quote
“When a people or government fails to attend to what holds their city together, when citizens have little regard for the common good, when political leaders betray or distort the moral ideals and principles for which they supposedly stand, then as Yeats prophetically pointed out, Things fall apart, the center cannot hold…”
Ryan & Bohlin
History shows us - as moral framework crumbles. This is applicable to our schools.

10. Supporting a Community of Virtue
Aim high
Create resonance (harmony)
Meaningful service (learn to give)
Student ownership (responsibility)
Little things (are important)
Close relationships
Caring enough to correct
It is not everyone for themselves or whatever feels good – do it.

11. Other Places Education Takes Place
School bus
Hallways
Study Hall
Bathrooms
Cafeteria
Playground

12. Negative Ethos No shared vision Cutthroat competition
Little opportunity to serve
No traditions
No student voice
Neglect of school grounds or property

13. Questions
What kind of citizens would be produced in a school that values above all else:
grades
a winning football team
maintaining a certain clothes brand
Building good citizens
Others?
Education that is based in a biblical worldview
Atmosphere that is tolerant and wants to provide an affordable college education to tri-state area students
Mission says a lot about values – do they apply?

14. Review Schools are communities
Require actions to support a community of virtue
We want to build our schools into communities of virtue

15. Fill in the blank
“When a people or government fails to attend to what holds their city together, when ______ have little regard for the common good, when ________ betray or distort the moral ideals and ______ for which they supposedly stand, then as Yeats prophetically pointed out, Things fall apart, the center cannot hold…”

16. Questions What are the defining characteristics of a polis?
What elements must be present to support a community of virtue?