Since 1994, ninth graders in Fort Collins, Colo., USA, have been using The Four-Way Test to grapple with tough issues as part of an ethics program created by speech teachers Carol Ballain and Tyann Kuehnast.

The students discuss topics such as sex and drugs, marriage and divorce, and friendship and relationships, guided by the test’s four questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

The program, which is held once a semester, pairs groups of five or six students with a Rotarian to discuss questions posed by the students. Each person expresses his or her opinion, and the Rotarian considers the responses in light of The Four-Way Test. Before each session, students spend two weeks preparing in class, learning to emphasize body language, communication, eye contact, and vocal inflection.

“We want to give the students an opportunity to get the tools they need in life to make good decisions,” says Max Getts, past governor of District 5440, who has been involved since the program’s inception. “We’re not there to preach to them. The students want to know what we think.”

Ballain, who retired from teaching in 2003, is proud of The Four-Way Test program. “Some of the kids who were the quietest in class and never had anything to say would really come to that party and get their game on,” she says. “To have an adult really sit and listen to them was impactful.”

The program continues under Lisa Crossland, who replaced Ballain. “Kids don’t thank teachers for a lot of things, but kids say thank you for the opportunity after this,” she says. – Brian Atlas