Religion in the classroom

Craig Lester

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Introduction
 Guidelines for Teachers on Religion in the
Classroom
 This In-service will help you understand
what is allowed in the Classroom
 Most of you are new teachers and may
want to know how to handle religion in
history, literature, science etc.

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Agenda
 Bible as a class
 Religion in History, English, and Science
class
 Student rights
 U.S. Department of Education Guidelines
 Court Cases

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Overview
 Religion in Public Schools is an emotional issue.
Separation of Church and State and First
amendment rights must not be violated. But, that
does not mean no religion in schools.
 What can you do and not do legally as a teacher?
 What are students allowed to do?
 What do the US Departments guidelines say?

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Vocabulary
 Glossary of terms
 Define the terms as used in this subject

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Bible as a class
 Many schools have started a Bible class. It must
be designed as a secular class and not be
mandatory.
 There are many reasons to include the Bible in
the curriculum. Its importance to history (U.S.
and World), literature, science, and politics.
 A comparative religion class would give students
information on what drives our world. A lot of
wars have been fought over religion. For
example the crusades were fought over control of
Israel.
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Religion in History, English,
and Science class
 Many teachers are confused on what can
be discussed in class.
 For example, when studying the Puritans
can you discuss their religious beliefs?
 Can you discuss creationism in science
class?
 The answer is yes if you (as the teacher)
remain completely neutral. Don’t preach
and don’t disparage.
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Students Rights
 Students have First Amendment Rights of
freedom to exercise their religion.
 They cannot be disruptive
 Exercise to re-enforce learning

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U.S. Department of Education
Guidelines
 Explain details
 Give an example
 Exercise to re-enforce learning

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Court Cases
 Listed are a few of the Supreme Court
cases affecting Religion in Schools
 Give an example
 Exercise to re-enforce learning

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Summary
 Statewhat has been learned
 Define ways to apply training
 Request feedback of training session

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Where to Get More Information
 Other training sessions
 List books, articles, electronic sources
 Consulting services, other sources

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