WELCOME TO THE CAUSE of creating a better future for our children by keeping God in our schools. By that, we mean:
We envision public schools as places where students feel the freedom to express their faith and where they gain an academic appreciation for the Bible and Christianity across the whole curriculum as it relates to history, culture, and values. This can be done legally and appropriately within existing constitutional boundaries and in keeping with current laws and state standards.
What Can I Do?
The School Checklist (below) answers the question: “What should I do?” The checklist becomes a simple way to review your schools and, if necessary, advocate for improvements. It focuses on two areas:
Religious freedom so students feel the freedom to express their faith;
Academic freedom so students gain an appreciation for the Bible and Christianity across the whole curriculum as they relate to history, culture, and values.
Evaluate two things in your schools:
POLICIES - School policies need to promote and protect freedom of religious expression and academic freedom to address topics related to religion
PRACTICES - Classroom practices need to foster freedom of religious expression and instruction about the cultural and historical influence of the Bible and Christianity.
School Checklist
|
The school district has a favorable policy about religious topics |
Y |
N |
|
The school district has a policy regarding holidays similar to the Sioux Falls School District which was found constitutional in Florey v. Sioux Falls |
Y |
N |
|
The school district allows for, or requires, a moment of silence at the beginning of each day (applicable in 34 states) |
Y |
N |
School Practices
|
Teachers are adequately informed of the school district’s favorable policy on teaching about religious topics |
Y |
N |
|
Bible literacy and Judeo-Christian history, culture, and values are appropriately included across the curriculum (see examples below) |
Y |
N |
|
In Social Studies – students learn about the Bible and Christianity’s influence on American and Western civilization (link) |
Y |
N |
|
In Language Arts – Bible literacy is incorporated to enhance literary understanding |
Y |
N |
|
In Science – students are taught the limits of science and have access to the full range of scientific views about evolution (link) |
Y |
N |
|
In Mathematics – students learn how people of faith use math to benefit others (e.g., charity, inventions) |
Y |
N |
|
In Foreign Language – students learn the Christian cultures of foreign countries |
Y |
N |
|
In Music – sacred music is incorporated into the music program |
Y |
N |
|
In Art – students learn the significant role of Christianity in the support and develop of the arts |
Y |
N |
|
In the Library – students have access to the Bible and books with Christian characters and themes |
Y |
N |
|
As part of the music program, students sing Christmas carols and other songs with religious themes |
Y |
N |
|
Educators teach about the religious aspects of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter |
Y |
N |
|
Teachers conduct a moment of silence at the beginning of each day (applicable in 34 states) |
Y |
N |
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
School District Policies
|
Religious Freedom Day is officially recognized annually by a resolution or policy from the school board. (Sample resolution) |
Y |
N |
|
The school district has a policy and guidelines clarifying students’ and educators’ religious liberties. (Sample Policy) |
Y |
N |
|
The school district has a policy allowing religious release time programs. |
Y |
N |
|
The school district has a policy allowing student-led religious clubs. |
Y |
N |
|
The school district has a policy allowing after-school religious clubs. |
Y |
N |
School Practices
|
Religious Freedom Day is recognized by each school. |
Y |
N |
|
Schools annually distribute information about students’ religious liberties to all students, parents, educators, and administrators. Schools consider video for announcements. (sample video) |
Y |
N |
|
Character education lessons include explaining the freedom to express one’s faith in word and deed at school. (See article) |
Y |
N |
|
The schools offer a religious release time program. (link, link) |
Y |
N |
|
The schools have student-led religious clubs. (link) |
Y |
N |
|
The schools have after-school religious clubs. (link) |
Y |
N |