About the Intervention
Building Decision Skills is a character education curriculum for middle and high school students that aims to raise awareness of ethics, help students gain practical experience in developing core values, and provide practical strategies for dealing with ethical dilemmas. The program consists of 10 lessons that can be delivered over two consecutive weeks of daily lessons or spread out over a longer period. Using readings, handouts, and overheads, teachers cover key concepts while students engage through small-group activities, class discussions, and homework assignments. The program also includes optional schoolwide components such as group discussions, seminars, and assemblies, and can be combined with service learning. The curriculum includes a teacher's guide, lesson plans, readings, overheads, and handouts. The Institute for Global Ethics offers one-day or two-day on-site professional development workshops conducted by a Global Ethics staff trainer.
Statistical Findings
Positive effect: on ethical perspective
No effect: on ethical awareness
No effect: on ethical responsibility
No effect: on self-esteem
No effect: on social responsibility (general)
No effect: on social responsibility (school)
No effect: on anticipated future community participation
More Intervention Details
Focus Areas
Social-Emotional LearningPrograms & Services
N/ADelivery Methods
Face-to-FaceDisability Support
N/ATarget Groups
Student(s)Citation
U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, What Works Clearinghouse. (2007). Building Decision Skills. Retrieved from https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/WWC/intervention/102.
Study Demographics
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Participant Race
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Participant Gender
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Other Participant Characteristics
Geographical Setting
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