"Living and Teaching Values" is the theme of a one-day conference this spring at the University of Rochester that will focus on character education, an issue that has moved to the forefront of concern among education advocates. Nel Noddings, acting dean of Stanford University's School of Education, will be the keynote speaker.
The program initiates a two-year commitment by the Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development to focus public discussion upon "Making Values Work" and to explore what responsibility schools and other institutions have to form character and teach ethical behavior.
The April 23, 1994, conference will open with two keynote addresses, "The Challenge to Care" and "Meeting the Care Challenge." Following this, participants will attend small group presentations on topics that will center on incorporating values into the school curriculum, values and language, religion, and the world of work. The program will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
"I'm pleased with the Warner School's leadership role in helping the community focus on character education," said Edwardine Weaver, director of professional development programs for the Warner School.
Local organizations engaged in planning and sponsoring the program include the Rochester City School District's Careers in Teaching Program, Kodak Co. 21st Century Learning Challenge, Genesee Valley Developmental Learning Group, Genesee Valley District PTA, Industrial Management Council, Monroe County School Boards Association, Nazareth College's Department of Nursing, Rochester Area Reading Council, Well Read, and Xerox Business and Technical Education Service.
The registration fee will be $29 per person. Members of sponsoring organizations will pay $27, and students can register for $22. Registration materials will be distributed in February. To learn more or get on the mailing list, contact Weaver at 403 Lattimore Hall, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14727, or call 275-7833.
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