# data[].attributes.body
As a teacher in an area high school, my perspective comes from the English Language Arts classroom. It is not uncommon for works of literature to have a religious component, or a reference within the context of the literature, that relates to the meaning and theme of that literary work. This legal guide on Religious Expression for Educators in the classroom is important to understand the freedoms that educators possess to teach about religion.

# data[].attributes.headline
Padlet Slide #2 - My Interview with Jamie Rouse

# data[].attributes.subject
Padlet Slide #2 - My Interview with Jamie Rouse

# data[].attributes.body
As stated previously, religious expression is important as an educator because so many works of literature contain references to biblical stories or beliefs. In addition, the bible presents many historical stories and elements. While teachers may not actively proselytize in the classroom, instruction utilizing examples of biblical stories or belief systems may be relevant to classroom instruction. Therefore, it is important that teachers understand their boundaries when discussing religious topics. Crossing these lines may subject the teacher, school, and school district to legal action.

In my interview with Jeremy (Jamie) Rouse, dean of students with Miles Junior High/High School, Mr. Rouse noted that teachers can engage students in discussions of religion in the course of regular teaching practice (J. Rouse, personal communication, 11/20/2020). This is particularly relevant in history classes or English language arts classes because religion is often relevant to those courses. A teacher may teach about the Bible, about the Koran, or about other texts in the course of regular classroom instruction. Additionally, a teacher may instruct about religious beliefs (comparative religion) within the context of a lesson, however, a teacher "may not provide religious instruction" (U.S. Dept. of Education, 2020). In the regular course of a day, the teacher should remember that:

-Instruction about religion is acceptable.

-A teacher may not engage a student to teach religious tenets.

-Teachers may consider student work about their beliefs according to normal academic standards.

When asked about areas of concern regarding religious expression in the classroom, Mr. Rouse was concerned about the agenda of the president-elect. The newly elected administration may pose a threat to religious expression. Mr. Rouse opined that the incoming administration may undo much of the guidance provided by the current administration on religious expression.

In addition to the three practices stated previously, Mr. Rouse thinks it is important to stay abreast of changes in educational guidelines and law. Mr. Rouse follows trends in education and changes in law through the Texas Association of School Boards. TASB is pivotal in keeping school boards, superintendents, and administrators up to date on current issues within the education field.

Link to Miles JH/HS staff webpage: https://www.milesisd.net/staff?org=miles-isd

# data[].attributes.headline
Slide #3 - Guidance from a professional association

# data[].attributes.subject
Slide #3 - Guidance from a professional association

# data[].attributes.body
AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
From the AASA, an article was introduced titled “Religion’s Legal Place in the Schoolhouse”. This article deals with the appropriate use of religion in the classroom. The author discussed the first amendment which is designed to ensure that the government “would not infringe upon certain inalienable rights of private citizens” (May, 2006). There have been multiple challenges involving the first amendment. The Supreme Court has made the distinction between government speech endorsing religion and private speech endorsing religion, which the First Amendment protects. Further, the SC has held that neither teachers nor students shed their rights of free speech when entering school grounds. Guidelines from the U.S. Dept. of Education state that religion is not strictly forbidden from public schools. The author pointed out that, in the Supreme Court case Stone v. Graham, it was decided that the Bible may be used in an appropriate study of history or other subjects. The Bible does have literary value but the religious tenets of any one faith cannot be taught.

https://www.aasa.org/SchoolAdministratorArticle.aspx?id=7730

# data[].attributes.headline
Slide #4 - Trump Announces Revised Guidance on Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Schools

# data[].attributes.subject
Slide #4 - Trump Announces Revised Guidance on Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Schools

# data[].attributes.body
President Trump made the announcement that the government must not stand between it's people and God (Friend, 2020). As an example, the President discussed the case of a high school student who was told not to pray at school, by a high school administrator. Subsequently, after complaints from parents, the student was told she could pray but must do it privately. Lawyers for the high school student pointed out that the principal was treating prayer as illegitimate and treating prayer as not neutral.
Under Trump's new guidance, schools must (Friend, 2020):
-certify in writing that it does not have a policy that restricts participation in prayer;
-provide a clear process for students, teachers, and parents to report violations of their rights to pray;
-students have a right to distribute religious literature similar to literature distributed for other non-school activities;
-schools cannot discriminate against religious attire;
-excusing a student for religious reasons cannot be treated less favorably than other reasons

https://thetexan.news/trump-announces-revised-guidance-on-prayer-and-religious-expression-in-public-schools/

# data[].attributes.headline
Slide #5 - New Ohio law allows more religious expression within schools

# data[].attributes.subject
Slide #5 - New Ohio law allows more religious expression within schools

# data[].attributes.body
A new law in the state of Ohio allow was enacted to ensure the equal treatment of religious expression in schools. The law was enacted due to instances of unequal treatment or restrictions not applied to other groups (Couch, 2020). In particular the law allows
-students to write about religious topics for classroom assignments, and
-provides for a moment of silence.
If a child chooses to write about a historical figure and that figure happens to be a biblical figure, a teacher cannot prevent the student from writing about that character.
This law is less about providing that moment of silence than allowing the students to express their view without fear of discrimination.

https://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/story/news/local/2020/10/28/house-bill-164-allows-students-more-religious-expression-schools/3718590001/

# data[].attributes.headline
Slide #6 - Constitutional Law - The First Amendment

# data[].attributes.subject
Slide #6 - Constitutional Law - The First Amendment

# data[].attributes.body
First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances (U.S. Const. amend. I)

https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/

# data[].attributes.headline
Slide #7 - Judicial Law - Stone v. Graham

# data[].attributes.subject
Slide #7 - Judicial Law - Stone v. Graham

# data[].attributes.body
A challenge was brought against the Superintendent of Public Schools regarding the a law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in a public school classroom. The question was whether Kentucky violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The Supreme Court found that the law violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and that the Ten Commandments had no secular purpose but was religious in nature. The point of this case in relation to classroom  religious expression lies in a statement within this case saying "This is not a case in which the Ten Commandments are integrated into the school curriculum, where the Bible may constitutionally be used in an appropriate study of history, civilization, ethics, comparative religion, or the like. Abington School District v. Schempp, supra, at 225, 83 S.Ct., at 1573. Posting of religious texts on the wall serves no such educational function" (Stone v. Graham, 1980).

# data[].attributes.headline
Slide #8 - Statutory Law - Religious Freedom Restoration Act

# data[].attributes.subject
Slide #8 - Statutory Law - Religious Freedom Restoration Act

# data[].attributes.body
Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act says a government agency cannot substantially burden a person's free exercise of religion unless the agency shows applying the burden:
-is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and
-is the least restrictive means of furthering that interest.(Religious Freedom Restoration Act, 1999).

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.110.htm

# data[].attributes.headline
Slide #9 - Administrative Law - Model Policy Governing Voluntary Religious Expression in Public Schools

# data[].attributes.subject
Slide #9 - Administrative Law - Model Policy Governing Voluntary Religious Expression in Public Schools

# data[].attributes.body
This Article of the Texas Education Code notes that students cannot be penalized or awarded for including work that is religious in nature or content.
-Students may express beliefs "about religion in homework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious content of the students' submission "(Tex. Stat. §25.156, 2007).

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.25.htm#25.156

# data[].attributes.headline
Slide #10 - Local Administrative Policy - Grape Creek ISD

# data[].attributes.subject
Slide #10 - Local Administrative Policy - Grape Creek ISD

# data[].attributes.body
According to the GCISD EMI(Legal)-P, Update 87 (2010), "The district may instruct students in the study of comparative religion or the history of religion and its relationship to the advancement of civilization. The study of the Bible or of religion for its literary and historic qualities, when presented objectively as part of a secular program of education, is consistent with the First Amendment."

According to this local code, the district will not teach the principles of any specific religion or dogma; the district will not require a specific religious exercise as part of extracurricular activities of students; and elective courses on Hebrew scriptures or the New Testament may be provided.

https://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=EMI(LEGAL).html&title=MISCELLANEOUS%20INSTRUCTIONAL%20POLICIES&subtitle=STUDY%20OF%20RELIGION

# data[].attributes.headline
Slide #11 - Ethical Principal - Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice

# data[].attributes.subject
Slide #11 - Ethical Principal - Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice

# data[].attributes.body
Standard 9 of InTASC standards states "The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community) ,and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner" (INTASC, 2013). As a teacher, I must conduct myself in the most ethical and professional manor according to the laws and statutes that govern my profession. As a classroom teacher, I must consider the effects of my decisions on the learners.  I am prohibited against teaching religion  or proselytizing in the classroom, according to the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution. However, I may teach about religion in the course of a curriculum. Therefore, I am challenged to behave ethically according to current laws, statutes, and guidance. However, I am not forced to leave my religious beliefs "at the door" of the school because I am a teacher.

https://blackboard.angelo.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-1671500-dt-content-rid-6334489_2/courses/EDG.Orientation/17.FALL.EDG6301DS1.klivengood_ImportedContent_20170907041412/MACI%20-%20INTASC%20Standards.pdf

# data[].attributes.headline
Slide #12 - My Personal Connection to the Legal and Ethical Standards

# data[].attributes.subject
Slide #12 - My Personal Connection to the Legal and Ethical Standards

# data[].attributes.body
My faith is a part of who I am. Because I am a teacher does not mean that I leave a part of myself behind as I venture into the classroom. In preparing this activity, my knowledge on this subject has grown exponentially. I know that I do not have to leave any part of myself behind. My faith and knowledge can enhance the learning experience of my students. Three important things I learned through this assignment are:

-Teacher’s religious beliefs are constitutionally protected.

-Teacher’s may teach about religion.

-I have a responsibility to behave ethically in front of my students.

# data[].attributes.body
For a classroom teacher, the topic of religion is not off limits. However, a teacher should maintain a neutral point of view. Being a classroom teacher does not mean leaving your values and beliefs behind, it is important to carry your values with you into the classroom. The ethical teacher will follow applicable laws, statutes, and guidelines in an effort to be an example to his/her students. In order to maintain ethical standards, a list of best practices to ensure legal compliance has been listed below.
Best Practices for legal compliance:
-Do teach about religion.
-Do approach the topic of religion within the context of your curriculum.
-Do allow students to express their religious beliefs through the content of their assignment homework.
-Do allow open discussions among students regarding matters of a religious nature.
-Do allow students to share religious literature just as you would literature for any other activity.
-Do maintain an objective position.

# data[].attributes.body
Couch, E. (2020). New Ohio law allows more religious expression within schools. Retrieved November 21, 2020, from https://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/story/news/local/2020/10/28/house-bill-164-allows-students-more-religious-expression-schools/3718590001/

Friend, D. (2020). Trump Announces Revised Guidance on Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Schools. Retrieved November 20, 2020, from https://thetexan.news/trump-announces-revised-guidance-on-prayer-and-religious-expression-in-public-schools/

Council of Chief State School Officers. (2013). Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards and Learning Progressions for Teachers 1.0: A Resource for Ongoing Teacher Development.

May, C. M. (2006). Religion's Legal Place in the Schoolhouse. Retrieved November 21, 2020, from https://www.aasa.org/SchoolAdministratorArticle.aspx?id=7730

Miscellaneous Instructional Policies: Study of Religion, Grape Creek ISD

EMI(Legal)-P, Update 87, (2010) https://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=EMI(LEGAL).html&title=MISCELLANEOUS%20INSTRUCTIONAL%20POLICIES&subtitle=STUDY%20OF%20RELIGION

Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Tx. Stat. § 110.001 (1999)

Stone v. Graham, 449 U.S. 39 (1980)

Student Expression of Religious Viewpoints, Tex. Stat. §25.156 (2007). https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.25.htm#25.156

U.S. Const. amend I

U.S. Dept of Education. (2020). Guidance on Constitutionally Protected Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools. Retrieved November 20, 2020, from https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/religionandschools/prayer_guidance.html