If a child values honoring his parents, then he is more likely to develop the virtue of obedience to his parents. If he values knowledge, then he is likely to develop a virtue of diligence in his studies. If a child values truth, then he is likely to cultivate the virtue of honesty. True virtue requires action beyond enlightened self-interest. The virtuous person is one who consistently does what is right even if there is personal cost involved.
True virtue is motivated by values that are outside the child.
Mr. Ryan and Ms. Bohlin are correct in stressing the hollowness of values and viewpoints without the exercise of virtue. But I think their attempt to sidestep values and viewpoints leaves us with nothing but emotional, wishful thinking. In Michigan, we have used a similar approach with the Alliance for Children's Education initiative, or ace. The response from citizens, organizations, and businesses across the state has been powerful. The alliance is a statewide effort by the Michigan board of education, the state department of education, and Gov. John Engler.