Faced with widespread consumerism and individualism, the erosion of the authority of the educational system, rising violence in certain schools, and even religious and ethnic intolerance, this thesis explores several paths of investigation and presents several proposals regarding the need for a code of ethics and a clarification of societal values in the educational system of today. To begin with, the thesis presents a timeline, from Ferry to Mitterrand, of moral principles as taught in the primary school system. An examination of positions garnered from philosophers and researchers follows, providing a theoretical foundation for moral education and school ethics. Finally, based on a nationwide questionnaire administered by 120 teachers and the aforementioned theoretical foundation, the thesis discusses possible solutions of the challenges of moral education : --A proposal for ethical practice minimum woven from democracy and secularism, teaching the concepts of mutual respect, nature conservation and implementation of social rules; an emphasis on non-violent communication and the respect of the moral principles essential to living together.- -A school awakening of secular spirituality, free of links to religion, allowing humanist values to develop at the heart of educational activities in a climate of peace and tolerance, of non-violence and solidarity; to give a new sense to our shared existence, in a scholastic environment where life skills are as important as knowledges to be acquired; to strive for a “quality of scholastic life”, useful and pleasant, where caring and cooperation are promoted; where the respect of moral values is accepted and applied by all those involved in school life
