Topics 1
Can Bible verses be required to read at school? Even if it's your religion?
Bible verses cannot be required to be read at school. In Abington School District v. Schempp, this was declared unconstitutional.
In Jefferson's book 1784, what was his idea of liberties?
The idea is that since liberties come from God if we remove that idea that they come from God, our liberties will be in jeopardy
Is there any correlation between students of faith and the use of alcohol and drugs?
According to the Topic 4 study, students who affiliated themselves with a community of faith were about 50% less likely to try alcohol and marijuana.
How can educators respect their student's rights and dignity?
Educators can take into account students' age, gender, culture, and socioeconomic context.
Why is cultivating good character important as an educator?
Poor character lends itself towards unsafe environments: bullying, cheating, lying, untrustworthy
Is it best that schools show a "sense of secularism?"
It is NOT considered best for schools to adopt a sense of secularism. A student's education may even be considered not complete if the effect of religion is not considered.
According to the National Association of Music Education, what was the consensus of including religious music?
States that the removal of the study and performance of religious music within education would result in an incomplete experience
True or False. Over half of teens attend religious services at least two times a month.
True. 57% of teens attend religious services at least two times a week
Are there any limits on students expressing their beliefs in their classwork?
No. Students are free to express their beliefs in any of their assignments free of discrimination.
What's the difference between praise and encouragement?
Praise focuses on performance
Encouragement focuses on character
Is it appropriate for schools to include religious themes in music, art, or literature for school events?
According to Florey v. Sioux Falls School District, this is appropriate and seen as a benefit to students as an enhancement of the student's education.
In Topic 3, what is the main point in teaching about the Bible nad Christian history?
It is important because it helps students understand the culture they live in.
How can an educator act in the best interest of all students to be responsible for the student's moral development?
Educators can do their best to engage the school community, create a welcoming environment where students are safe to express their religion/ faith, and close the gap in achievement.
Is it true that students have more freedom to express their religion at schools than teachers do?
Yes. Students do have more freedom to express themselves at school, because they are not employed by the school.
What is a better definition of tolerance?
Instead of tolerance as "indifference"
Tolerance is "the allowable deviation from a standard"
The 10 Commandments are being posted in a teacher's classroom and they are requiring students to say them at the beginning of every class. Is this allowed?
No, according to Stone v. Graham. The Bible can be constitutionally used, but it must be within context.
What percent of Americans claim Christianity as their religious faith?
92% of Americans and 3/4 believe that the Bible is the word of God
How can teachers foster inclusion of religion in the classroom?
1. The teacher can give proper attention to religion in the curriculum and in school. This is more instructional, rather than devotional.
2. Creating a welcoming environment for religious expression in your classroom.
The question of "Can the religious aspects of the holidays be recognized?" is a big question. What is one of the harms of not recognizing religious holidays?
When we do not recognize religious holidays, we neglect the history and celebration of the holiday and the current impact that it has on society today.
When it comes to cultivating character, how can we encourage students to think more clearly about the decisions they make?
Help students consider what acceptable behavior might be, especially filtered through their family's religious beliefs. When having these conversations with students, show kindness, humility, self-control, patience...
What were some of the qualifying perspectives of judging whether or not religion was "fair?"
A common assumption: fairness means all religions must be given equal time in the class
Fairness: sometimes means proportional, not equal
According to various professors in the US, how do they consider the Bible?
Many of the professors answered that the Bible is a great benefit for all students in literature, art, and history. Those students would all greatly benefit from having background knowledge of Christianity.
What are some strategies that an instructor can use in English Languages Arts to include religion?
-put a quote of the day from Moses, Jesus, or Solomon.
-have a Bible in your classroom, include it in your reading program
- have books that include Biblical characters/ values
You can have a parent come and share about their Christmas traditions and why they celebrate Christmas.
What are 5 Areas of Focus we can have as we move forward in cultivating these practices in our classroom?
1. Collaborative planning
2. Review Curriculum
3. Intentional Outcomes
4. Supportive Policies