Bible studies in Texas public schools


All on the taxpayer's dime
This article caused quite a stir at Wren's Nest.

Understandably so.

The revelation that so many Bible courses in Texas schools violate the First Amendment has national implications. It turns out that many of the offending courses are based on materials disseminated by the National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools – a group that claims its curriculum is now used in 365 school districts in 37 states. It’s hard to substantiate these numbers because the council won’t reveal where most of these courses are taught.

Even if that number is overstated, it’s very likely many of the Bible courses in other states are also unconstitutional. In some states, especially in the South, homegrown Bible courses are taught in public schools with little accountability and no oversight.

Under the guise of supporting academic study of the Bible, the council has been actively promoting Bible electives in public schools for more than a decade. But its approach is anything but “academic.” In a study published in 2005, the Texas Freedom Network found that the council’s curriculum advocates “a narrow sectarian perspective” and is filled with “shoddy research and blatant errors.” Although the council made some cosmetic changes in apparent response to criticism, the new study argues that the curriculum remains “deeply flawed and inappropriate.”

Yes, it is deeply flawed and inappropriate.

It is also inevitable in any discussion of public schools. The nature of "public schools" means that SOMEONE calls the shots, and the people are stuck with it. The only method for change is the political process, which notoriously ignores people's choices.

Unless they are in the group elected to make changes.

On the other hand, you can buy almost any bread you want from a grocery store, and you don't have to have permission from the FedGovs or a local board.

See the difference?

Your purchase helps make the bread you like available to anyone who wants to buy it. If enough people like it, that bread stays on the market.

In the "public schools," the priority is to make the elected officials look good. What the parents want and the children need are secondary.

Follow the money.

— NeoWayland

Posted: Mon - September 18, 2006 at 05:52 PM  Tag


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