Religion in the Public Schools

ISBN-10: 087652109X
ISBN-13: 9780876521090
Pages: 60
Language: English
Published: 1986
Publisher: American Association of School Administrators
Authors: American Association of School Administrators, Kristen J. Amundson

Description

This booklet offers school administrators guidance on the constitutional foundation of religious freedom and the relationship between church and state in the United States. Most of the recent Supreme Court cases dealing with religion in the schools and many current issues in the field are discussed. Questions that administrators may wish to address before considering specific policies are also raised. The booklet's first chapter introduces the basic issues affecting the relationship between religion and public education. Chapter 2 outlines the law and its constitutional basis, focusing on religious freedom, the "Free Exercise" and "Establishment" clauses of the First Amendment, religious activities within schools, aid to religious schools, and freedom of speech. The third chapter reviews the place of religion in the public school curriculum, addressing religious instruction by religious leaders, instruction about religion, and the inclusion of religiously sensitive material in the curriculum. Chapter 4 examines the noncurricular policies of public schools involving religion; it covers religious holidays, religious observances, meetings of extracurricular religious groups or clubs, school district aid to religious schools, and partnerships between schools or districts and religious institutions. Examples, suggestions, guidelines, and policy recommendations related to religion and the schools are interspersed throughout the text. (PGD)