Center for the Study of Classical Education presents character-focused model to Senate committee

Professor Albert Chang, director of the newly founded Center for the Study of Classical Education, told the Senate Education Committee that classical pedagogy emphasizes character formation alongside academics and that demand for classical models is growing.

Chang said classical approaches teach the "head, hands, and heart" and use questions from diverse traditions to cultivate judgment and civic formation. He cited national examples (Great Hearts Academies' long wait list) and local growth: Founders Classical Academy lotteries in Bentonville and Rogers and newly opened classical and Catholic academies in Northwest Arkansas.

Chang and committee members discussed how character-focused curricula can be taught across traditions and whether it risks imposing particular views; Chang said the approach draws on diverse sources and is not limited to a single tradition. Senators also asked about how character education is translated into classroom practice; Chang said the aim is to have students "wrestle with" big questions and develop habits that support civic life.

Chang urged the committee to consider supporting research, training and resources that would help districts adopt or adapt elements of classical pedagogy where appropriate. The committee did not take formal action during the hearing.