Religion
Definition: the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods.
In education, we usually do not initially think of Religion as a factor of diversity, but it is a sub-category of diversity in education. Realizing the reality of our religious diversity is important in understanding the importance that religion has on many individuals. Religion impacts their daily lives and can be a very real part of their culture. We need to remember that not everyone has the same background and that America is the "melting pot" of the world. We need to be respectful of everyone's beliefs. Here in the U.S., we famously separate church and state. The impact that has on public schools is that we do not teach according to one faith. We must provide an environment that fosters growth both academically and as a citizen without denying people's beliefs.
In education, we usually do not initially think of Religion as a factor of diversity, but it is a sub-category of diversity in education. Realizing the reality of our religious diversity is important in understanding the importance that religion has on many individuals. Religion impacts their daily lives and can be a very real part of their culture. We need to remember that not everyone has the same background and that America is the "melting pot" of the world. We need to be respectful of everyone's beliefs. Here in the U.S., we famously separate church and state. The impact that has on public schools is that we do not teach according to one faith. We must provide an environment that fosters growth both academically and as a citizen without denying people's beliefs.
Helpful Strategies
1. Honor all Religious events/holidays.
|
2. As parents, talk to your child about how there are many religions in our world.
|
3. Allow each student to make their own decoration for holidays important to them to promote diversity in your class.
|
Class Activity
During a religious holiday, ask each student to create a poster or PowerPoint presentation about what their family does to celebrate that time of year. If a student does not celebrate that particular holiday, allow them to choose one that they do celebrate that is near the same time as the holiday being presented. The goal of this is to build understanding and respect for between classmates.
Reading Material
Local Resources
1. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church357 West Main Street
Kutztown (610) 683-3450 |
2. St. John's Church
201 East Main Street Kutztown (610) 683-3140 |
3. Pennsylvania Satsang Society Inc.
135 North 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 215-925-5119 |
Online Resources
http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/Main-Menu/Public-education/The-law-and-its-influence-on-public-school-districts-An-overview/Religion-and-Public-Schools.html
http://www.firstamendmentschools.org/freedoms/religiouslibertyfaqs.aspx
https://www.aclu.org/issues/religious-liberty/religion-and-public-schools
http://www.firstamendmentschools.org/freedoms/religiouslibertyfaqs.aspx
https://www.aclu.org/issues/religious-liberty/religion-and-public-schools