[Happy]

It's just called "character education". Honesty, tolerence, generosity, diligence... sounds a lot like morals to me. We just can't call it that because of those religious implications you mentioned. But the only problem I have with it is that teachers have SO much to do already (over-worked, under-paid, you know), that adding character education on top of it all is leading to less time on subject area instruction-for which we are criticized for not providing adequately. The responsibility for forming a child's character should rest mainly on the family, (and the church if so inclined) not the school. Teachers can and will always teach character by providing living examples of good behavior and by reinforcing positive behavior and correcting negative behaviors. That should be where our responsibility ends. However, there are many schools which have willingly integrated additional character (or moral) instruction to their program. Not just religious schools, either, but many charter schools, including the one for which I work, have strong character education programs as one of the main selling points. I suggest parents looking for additional help in character formation seek out those schools. They can be wonderful resources, and terrific, nurturing places to be.
Happy