Teaching 番茄影视 Religion Objectively
Factual and objective teaching about religion, the impact of religion and religious-based ideas听and ideals may be included in classroom instruction in relation to the district鈥檚 educational goals听and student learning objectives. It is inherent in the teaching of history, literature, social studies,听intercultural education, human relations, art and music to consider what various religions and religious movements and ideas have contributed to these fields.
Factual and objective teaching about religion is to be distinguished from the teaching or听promotion of religion. Consequently, the legitimate teaching about religion shall not:
- Utilize instructional materials to promote, encourage or disparage non-religious or religious viewpoints, groups and/or activities;
- Involve assemblies and/or programs that promote, encourage or disparage religion or non-religion;
- Take the form of religious instruction, worship, exercise or persuasion;
- Attack or promulgate religion, the absence of religion or any particular belief system;
- Question the religious belief or absence of religious belief of any student; or
- Requite a student to declare a religious preference or lack of one.
The teaching about religion shall be done with sensitivity to the feelings and beliefs of all students. The teaching about religion should be consistent with the district鈥檚 educational program and with student learning objectives.
Display or decoration pertaining to religion or religious symbol(s) or holiday(s) should relate to听instruction that is based solely upon the objective study of that subject. No public school funds,听property or facilities shall be used for a decorational display of religious symbols. This does not听prohibit instructional/curriculum-related displays prepared by students. This procedure shall not听infringe upon the rights of students to wear religious symbols in a manner which is not materially听and substantially disruptive to the educational process.
Music
Musical selections should be chosen on the basis of their particular musical, historical and听educational value and be presented in concert with a balanced representation of musical works,听whether sacred or secular, with consideration of the ability level and maturity of students听involved. Musical pieces should be selected and performed as works of art, not as acts of听veneration. No concert should appear to be a celebration of a religious holiday.听 Program notes or oral narration may be provided. These notes should establish an objective context for the performance by giving such information as historical data, identification of the听particular group for which the number has significance and technical characteristics worthy of听note.
The following guidelines are given for music groups/classes in performance:
- All performances/concerts sponsored by the school and/or conductor as part of the school program, should follow these guidelines.
a. No more than 40% of the overall selections, whether they be sacred or secular, may be related to an upcoming/past religious holiday.
b. The director will consider the demographics of the audience and the group involved when making decisions about outside performances. The director will be sensitive about accepting outside performances in order to avoid situations that might be inappropriate for students.
2. Rehearsal time should be balanced between all types of music throughout the school year. No music class/ensemble should spend the majority of rehearsal time for the semester on music related to a religious holiday.
Students and/or parents/guardians are responsible to request alternative assignments when a sacred selection is first introduced if they deem that it would be inappropriate for them to rehearse and perform.
If there is a concern about music selections chosen for practice and/or performance, the听concerned individual should work with the building principal and if not resolved, the deputy superintendent.
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Guidelines for Holiday Observances
The discussion and/or recognition of religious holidays in an objective manner is appropriate in a听school provided that it is consistent with the instructional program.
School programs specifically relating to religious holidays shall not be, nor have the effect of听being, a religious celebration. The atmosphere of a religious ceremony or celebration shall be听avoided. Any program which might reasonably be interpreted as religious indoctrination shall听be avoided.
The right of parents or guardians to determine when their children may decline to participate in听holiday programs shall not be limited by school authorities. Verification of absences in observance of a religious holiday should be provided in writing to school authorities as soon as possible after the absence. A student shall not be penalized or deprived of makeup opportunities for such absences. School personnel shall take into account the possible effects of religious holidays on school attendance when planning school calendars. When possible, assessments and important school activities will not be scheduled on such holidays.