Proof of Positive Effect Found for Only a Few Character Programs

After reviewing the research on 41 programs aimed at instilling character in students, the U.S. Department of Education gave “positive” ratings to just two of them and rated seven more as “potentially positive.”

All the others were rated “mixed,” had “no discernible effects,” or “potentially negative effects.”

The new report , which was posted earlier this month on the department’s What Works Clearinghouse Web site, signals the end of a complete cycle of research reviews on...