Dorchester Collegiate Academy prepares students to achieve Ethical Excellence. Students explore ethical foundations in a school culture that guides students toward developing their own unique character. The Academy communicates to students that the acid test for ethical behavior is acting ethically in situations when no one is aware. The ultimate goal of our Ethics component is for students to think and act ethically in school, out of school, and throughout their lives.
Components of Our Ethical Culture
Core Values
The foundation of this culture is a set of Core Values built upon Dr. Steven Tigner’s model for character education detailed in Character Education: Outline of a Seven-Point Program. Tigner’s seven points are:
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• Courage
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• Temperance
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• Wisdom
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• Justice
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• Developing friendships
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• Taking people seriously as persons
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• Taking oneself seriously as a person
The following are other means the Academy will employ to foster ethical excellence:
Advisory Class
The Advisory Class, facilitated by Academy faculty and staff, provides students an opportunity to reflect on ethical challenges in their own lives and how these dilemmas relate to the Academy’s Core Values. Students engage in a supportive dialogue that allows them to develop positive strategies to effectively resolve their challenge.
Ethics Class
Students read great philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle as well as discuss relevant ethical situations and reflect on their thoughts and ideas.
Integrated Curriculum
Students explore controversial moral issues in the English, science, history, and mathematics curriculum.
Peer Mediation
Students are trained in peer mediation strategies and encouraged to use their training both in school and out of school.
