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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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?

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

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…”

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