Texas Freedom Network’s Post

Curriculum matters! This is why there's been such an increase in attention to banning books and restricting what students can and cannot learn. I grew up learning the 10 Commandments - AT HOME! This judge's ruling is a win - for now. Rest assured, the group wanting the 10 Commandments in schools at scale will carefully review the ruling, regroup, and bring their case back. Here's what you can expect 1. more "groups" will pose ways to bring their version of Christianity into public schools; 2. increased banning of books, especially those focused on America's troubled history, the voices of Black people, immigration, and other marginalized groups; 3. increased restrictions on curricular content; 4. increased calls for "parents' rights," which will NOT include all parents; 5. increased calls for exclusionary discipline practices wrapped under the guise of school safety. In a world where curriculum has been, is, and will be under attack, having knowledge about how bias shapes educational content is critical. For the past few weeks, I've been sharing 7 forms of bias in educational materials. This week, it's all about imbalance and selectivity. Join me, this Thursday at 12 noon - live here on LinkedIn! #InstructionalPower #CurriculumMatters #DontBeSilent

What is needed to ensure that teacher contracts at Catholic schools are fair, reasonable, and respectful (including "lifestyle and conduct" clauses)? Here's an article I have written that speaks to the question: https://lnkd.in/dNJzX-29

“Education necessarily involves teaching morality and truth to children—why would we trust this sacred task to be done [within a system of schooling which subscribes, as Vigen Guroian points out in the introduction to Tending the Heart of Virtue: How Classic Stories Awaken a Child’s Moral Imagination, to deeply flawed humanistic notions of individual autonomy that deny the existence of a moral sense of moral law]?” In C. S. Lewis’s words (as cited by Guroian), “while ‘we clamor for those very qualities [of character and virtue]’ in our children, “we are rendering [them] impossible…. We remove the organ and demand the function. We make men without chests and expect of them virtue.’” This article by Robert Bortins addresses how Christian churches can partner with parents in the restoration of education that awakens, not compromises or obscures, the moral imagination and makes men WITH chests.

As the Indiana Legislative Session wraps up, we’d like to explain some of the contentious bills that were introduced through the legislature. Today’s focus is HB 1137 (“Religious instruction and school chaplains”), authored by House Representative Kendall Culp (R-District 16). What does the bill do? HB 1137 allows public schools’ superintendents or principals to hire chaplains to counsel students, as long as they have two years of counseling experience, a master’s degree in a field related to religion, as well as pass certain restrictions regarding criminal history. Furthermore, the bill allows for students to leave schools for religious instruction for up to 120 minutes per week, provided that the students’ parents provide notice and the principal approves of the arrangement. The hiring of chaplains is the most controversial aspect of the legislation. While proponents of the bill believe that this allowance may help alleviate the shortage of school counselors, opponents of HB1137 are concerned about intrusions on religious freedom. They are worried that school-hired chaplains may attempt to impose religious viewpoints on students within the secular settings of public schools. Read the bill here: https://lnkd.in/gT34xhP5

Louisiana Mandates Posting of Ten Commandments in Classrooms Louisiana has made history by becoming the first state in the United States to require the posting of the Ten Commandments in classrooms statewide. This new mandate, aimed at emphasizing moral and ethical principles, marks a significant cultural and educational policy shift in the state. The decision, which received widespread support from religious groups and conservative advocates, reflects Louisiana's commitment to promoting traditional values in educational settings. Proponents argue that displaying the Ten Commandments will foster a sense of moral responsibility among students and reinforce foundational principles in society. Critics, however, raise concerns about potential violations of separation of church and state, questioning the constitutionality of mandating religious displays in public school classrooms. The debate surrounding this mandate is likely to continue, as stakeholders on both sides weigh the implications of this decision on educational policy and religious freedoms in Louisiana. #Classrooms #TenCommandments

A thoughtful approach. Well done.

In a post on X announcing the guidance, Mr. Walters sought to crack down on any resistance, saying “We will not allow rogue districts and administrators to indoctrinate hatred of America by refusing to teach foundational Oklahoma standards.” He added, “The left does not like it, but it will be taught.” The New York Times No, Mr. Walters, Educators do not like it. You can't successfully teach the Constitution and the Bible in a public school as primary texts. You are doing a disservice to our youth; you are a logical abomination. Your personal desire for a Christian Nation is different from a foundational education of our multicultural nation. Your "standards" are personal beliefs, not a defensible societal curriculum, and you are acting contrary to our founding documents. Oh, and the fact you are announcing your state policy on X belies any seriousness or legitimacy of your motivations or methods. Oklahoma: Closed for business, and apparently, logic.

⚡ Examine the reactions from educators and the opposition to the ÇEDES Project. The effects of the project on the education system, along with criticisms and explanations, and details on public debates…

Leaving aside the constitutionality of requiring religious teaching in schools, be careful what you wish for. As theological debate over the centuries shows, the Bible, or whichever version of it is chosen, can be used as much to discredit as to bolster religion (s). "“I don’t know how you teach history, I don’t know how you teach English, without the No. 1 best-selling book in American history as part of that curriculum,” he said." The Bible in Public Schools? Oklahoma Pushes Limits of Long Tradition. https://lnkd.in/ggF2cXUs (Subscription may be required) #religioninschools #bible #us #religion #schools #curriculum

This week's TOP-bottom report goes south to Texas and Oklahoma. For the first time, I compare the financial health and viability of 23 RELIGIOUS private colleges in those two states. The series of 2024 College Viability Apps is a resource for students, families, faculty, staff, college leaders, boards, and other stakeholders to compare the financial health and viability of both private and public colleges. If you don't want to watch the video, here is the TOP-bottom PPT file link. https://lnkd.in/ggUN6nPZ https://lnkd.in/gKx3ch2h The EdUp Experience #collegeviability #collegeclosures #willmycollegeclose #FAFSADebacle