Title: Religion in Public School Curriculum | Religion in Public Schools | ADL
Headings: Religion in the Curriculum
Religion in the Curriculum
SPECIFIC ISSUES & QUESTIONS
What distinguishes "teaching religion" from "teaching about religion"?
May schools teach the Bible as literature?
May schools teach secular values which coincide with religious values?
What are some concerns that arise regarding "teaching about religion" in public schools?
If students object on religious grounds to portions of a textbook, may they be excused from studying the material?
Aren't these rules just promoting a "secular religion"?
What happens when a student responds to a secular assignment with religious expression?
SAMPLE SCENARIOS & SITUATIONS
Sixth-grader Asks Teacher about Religious Beliefs of Historical Groups
How should Mr. Clark answer Talia's question on the settlers?
Parent of Sixth-grader Objects to Reading Assignment on Religious Grounds
Should Joe be exempted from using the standard reader?
Jewish Student Asked to Explain Hanukkah to Class
Should Mr. Parker have asked the student to explain Hanukkah? Should he have asked her mother?
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Content: Schools may indeed and should teach secular values such as honesty, respect for others, courage, kindness and good citizenship. These values, however, must not be taught as religious tenets. The fact that most religions also teach these values does not change the lawfulness and desirability of teaching them. It is also appropriate for school officials to instill in students such values as "independent thought, tolerance of diverse views, self-respect, maturity, self-reliance and logical decision-making." 9
What are some concerns that arise regarding "teaching about religion" in public schools? Although it is legal to teach about religion in public schools in a neutral and secular manner, school administrators, teachers and parents should be cognizant of the inherent dangers of bringing religion into the classroom. 10 Public school teachers should carefully consider the following factors: Students are extremely susceptible to peer and public pressure and coercion. This concern is heightened, of course, at the elementary school level. Any discussion of religion in the classroom should be sensitive to the beliefs of the different students in the class.