Don Feder

In the subsequent viewpoint, Don Feder explains why he believes character education—programs that attempt to teach ethical values in the public schools—will inevitably fail. In Feder’s view, character education takes on the impossible task of teaching morality without mentioning religion. In addition, he argues, public educators may impart dangerous values to children. Feder is a nationally syndicated columnist.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. Why is it difficult to keep religion out of a discussion of morality, in Feder’s opinion?
2. According to the author, what is the time-honored fashion of instilling moral behavior in children, and why is this method superior to character education?
3. Why does Feder fear public educators imparting their values to children"

Despite the abject failure of public schools at teaching academic...