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The purpose of the Beckman study was to find out more about the effects of the Children's Set A Good Example Program. Both teachers and student participants who had taken part were asked to fill in a questionnaire about the program. The teachers surveyed were those who had requested copies of The Way to Happiness books and Set A Good Example starter kits during the school year, and those who submitted a project report for the school competition. The students were from schools that participated. A total of 249 teachers and 1,321 students participated in these surveys. They represented schools having from 12 to 4,500 students and cover grades one through twelve. The study found that 88% (eighty-eight percent) of students involved in
the Set A Good Example program who helped on projects felt that they had
learned something from The Way to Happiness booklet. In addition,
84% (eighty-four percent) reported that they used the things they had learned from the booklet in their daily lives. More that 80% (eighty percent) of the students reported they learned the importance of manners, or treating others with respect, or taking responsibility for their actions, or being competent. Even among those who did not help with the project, 54% (fifty-four percent) report learning something from the program. The study also found that 97% (ninety-seven percent) of the teachers surveyed rated The Way to Happiness booklet "Excellent." None rated it lower than "Good." 81% (eighty-one percent) stated they observed a positive influence from the booklet on their students' attitudes; and the study showed 69% (sixty-nine percent) saw a positive effect on student participation in their activities. The teachers commented that students were more positive; were proud of their accomplishments; worked together better; were more friendly, helpful, and courteous; were more disciplined in the classroom; granted one another greater respect and acted more responsibly. 83% (eighty-three percent) of the students who participated reported that they would like to do it again and 97% (ninety-seven percent) of the teachers report that they would like to participate again. Among teachers, prominent reasons for continued participation include the increase in student self-esteem, the need for teaching morals, the leadership qualities the program promotes, and the positive attitudes that this program engenders. The most frequent reasons given for entering the program were the need for moral education in the schools and the desire to help children improve their lives. Additional reasons included an awareness of the decline of morals in the United States, an interest in creating a community project, liking the books and other materials, and an interest in the program itself. 90% (ninety percent) of the respondents felt that the books and materials helped as they had expected. The value of The Way to Happiness booklet as a tool to guide children was frequently mentioned. Teachers observed that children like and use the book, that it explains moral values well, and that it fits into their curriculum. This study confirmed what thousands of CBAA supporters of the program, who are also parents, have observed firsthand for 15 years, ever since the Set A Good Example Campaign was first launched in 1981. The Way to Happiness book, written by the noted author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard, is subtitled "A Common Sense Guide For Better Living. It serves as the basis for the Children's Set A Good Example Campaign, School Competition and Club. Over 12 million students representing all states and more than 10,000 public, private and parochial schools participated in the competition between 1983 and 1999. Each year students across the country dream up and embark on their own projects to help improve their homes, their schools and their neighborhoods based on the universal values expressed in The Way to Happiness. Their projects are based on precepts from the book such as: "Safeguard and Improve the Environment," "Take Care of Yourself," "Don't Use Harmful Drugs," "Do Not Murder," "Love and Help Children," "Honor and Help Your Parents," "Be Competent," "Don't Do Anything Illegal," and "Set a Good Example." The success of this program stands as something of a landmark in moral education. It may very well be the most highly commended program of its kind in the world. Since The Way to Happiness was first printed in 1981, over 56,000,000 copies have been distributed in 32 different languages. It is one of the most popular, widely read and used books in the world. |
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