What should educators know about religion

As long as students do not coerce or otherwise infringe on the rights and learning of their schoolmates, they can. Even though these guidelines may seem clear in the abstract, applying them to real-life situations often leaves room for interpretation and comes down to a judgment call.

To better prepare for this challenge, educators need to create conditions in their schools that allow for regular and sensitive communication about religious differences. That way, if religious tensions arise, they can be resolved more skillfully and effectively.

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All Topics. About Us. Group Subscriptions. Recruitment Advertising. Events and Webinars. Leaders to Learn From. Current Issue. This paper provides a literature review and arguments for addressing religion in social studies teacher education. A lesson plan and resources for teacher educators are also provided. Teaching and talking about religion can no longer be marginalized or ignored within social studies teacher education. As the current social, political and cultural realities attest, the influence of religion appears to be more and more significant in our interconnected and interdependent world.

Religious literacy is a key part of civic competence and if social studies is viewed as a way to help prepare a more informed citizenry — and a way to teach and promote dialogue across difference — then social studies teacher educators must find a way to include religion in their courses. By doing so, teacher educators encourage pre-service teachers to examine how religious identity may influence their teaching, and also help develop religious literacy and an understanding of how religion is integral to the various social studies disciplines.

Ultimately, this important and often ignored work in teacher education may foster cultural understandings that will lead to a more informed and respectful society. Logan, K. A series of lawsuits challenged the right of schools to do so, and today scientifically verified curriculum is the focus of the Next Generation Science Standards. In , a teacher in Orange County was found to have violated the First Amendment when he spoke negatively about creationism to a student in his classroom who held strong religious beliefs.

In June , the Supreme Court ruled that a Missouri church preschool was entitled to a grant from a state program to improve its playground. Education experts, including analyst and author Diane Ravitch, have criticized the decision to force the public to pay for religious schools, saying it violates the Constitution and widens the opening to vouchers, which funnel public money to private schools, including private religious schools.

This is something U. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has set as a goal. It should be noted that faith-based organizations can be great allies to public schools, offering supplies, tutoring, and mentorships for students. Some California Teachers Association chapters, such as Associated Pomona Teachers, engage in community outreach with faith-based organizations on a regular basis to promote socially progressive issues, including equity and providing adequate funding for public education.

Skip Navigation We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, provide ads, analyze site traffic, and personalize content. If you continue to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies. Yes, religion in public schools is a sensitive and hotly debated issue. The Pledge of Allegiance In , the U. Stay Informed We'll come to you From education news to action alerts to member benefits-we're here to help you succeed in your career, advocate for your students, and support public education.

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