Curriculum outcomes can be categorized under three categories: knowledge, skills and dispositions. This week’s focus has been on dispositions—values (including moral code and ethics, beliefs, attitudes, and character). Curriculum is the means to a program’s ends or desired outcomes. Program ends are written as outcomes or performance standards. This application assignment is broken into three parts—spiritual formation, character and ethical outcomes. Present your standards in three parts as indicated below.

Part One, Spiritual Formation

Based upon your reading of Engaging God’s World, (Plantinga, 2002) identify a minimum of five spiritual values that should characterize the school’s graduates. These might be considered spiritual formation goals. Be sure and write these as outcome statements. Think through the implied outcomes from each chapter and then include the five you deem as most significant. Cite the page or pages from Plantinga, where the foundation for the outcome was presented. Also include a biblical text to support the outcome”

Example: Graduates will hope in the Lord through difficult circumstances and be able to explain that hope to others (Plantinga, 2002, p. 80)

“But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defence to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…” – 1 Peter 3:14-15

Part Two, Character

Identify a minimum of five character outcomes. These dispositions would represent what we often think of as one’s character as a new creation in Christ. Write these as outcome statements and identify or reference the biblical text.

Example: Graduates will, upon recognizing a need in others, demonstrate compassion by coming alongside and providing support and whenever possible meeting the need.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

Part Three, Ethical

Identify and write a minimum of five ethical standards. Ethical standards would relate more directly to moral conduct (a code of right vs. wrong behavior). These are often listed within a list of character traits but because of a greater need for ethical behavior within culture, it may prove helpful to set ethics apart in order to place a greater emphasis on these traits.

Example: The graduate will not lie but instead will be counted on to, in love, speak the truth.

“There are six things the Lord hates….a lying tongue….a false witness who pours out lies…”

Proverbs 6: 16-17, 19