“Before School Ends, Time to Make the Matzo” by Fernanda Santos
New York Times, April 12, 2011
Topic: “Released Time” in New York Public Schools for religious education
Summary: Since the 1950s, students in the New York Public School system have had the opportunity to leave school an hour early every Wednesday to participate in religious education. Even though the program has been challenged in court (separation of church/state issues) and fewer people participate today, the program is still in use by over 10,000 kids in the school system.
Intended audience: General Public
Key Points:
- Kids can receive religious education once a week for an hour during “released time”. This instruction is funded by the public schools.
- Traditionally, Jewish and Catholic students have used the program the most.
- Instruction cannot take place on school property.
- This provides a good alternative for parents who may not have the money to send their children to religious private schools, but still want them to receive some education related to their faith.
- Problems can arise when so many students leave a classroom… the teacher can’t deliver any vital instruction, give tests, etc. without those students missing out.
Relevance: I found this article really interesting! I am not particularly religious, so I never would’ve participated in something like this. I do think it looks like a lot of fun to make Matzo bread though… I think it is important for students to learn about all the religions in the world, I hope this isn’t taking the place of that in the regular curriculum. It’s really a shame that not all kids get to participate in a fun out and about every week! This also brings up the same issues that we have talked about regarding pulling kids out of class for Title 1, ESOL, TAG, etc…
