Religion In High School

Introduction

We propose to teach interfaith religion to students in tenth grade, due to research of previous data, surveying students, and interviewing professors and experts on religion. Our textbook research and professor interviews recommended that religion should be taught in high school, however the general opinion of students varied as to which grade was best. Overall, after listening to presentations of other classmates and recommendations of texts we well that tenth grade is best. Freshman (9th grade) are too overwhelmed in a new environment, juniors (11th grade) are too focused on applying to college, and seniors (12th grade) are checked out, therefore we feel sophomores work best.

Book/Website Research

Upon researching the best age

Although arguments could be made for and against each age group to implement religious teaching, one continuous variable that stuck out was the controversy that seemed to target only the Islamic religion. Concerning each age range, there was always a problem with the way that Islam was being taught in schools, whether it was simple lectures or trips to mosques. Parents seemed to always get suspicious and wary of such a topic which lead us to believe that a more mature age was necessary in order to understand such a problematic topic. Waiting until the tenth grade gives the students ample time to be introduced into history topics and world issues so that they are equipped with a more diverse background. With a greater understanding for these world views, students will be more likely to form subjective opinions about topics of religion which would decrease the likelihood of “conversion” happening within the classroom. This age allows students with a pronounced background in worldviews to learn about religious topics with minimal fear from parents that their children are being indoctrinated into religions rather than simply getting educated. This verifies our proposal to wait until the tenth grade to introduce such extensive topics such as religion into

After talking to Dr. Annalise Glauz-Todrank and Dr. Ken Hoglund, we received valuable input on what age religion should be taught in public schools. Dr. Glauz-Todrank emphasized the importance of training teachers to teach religion in public schools. She then explained that different tactics should be used to teach different ages. For example, she said that a hands-on approach would be best for young children. She said, “Religion is interpreted differently by every person within their tradition, and so I think it’s important that students learn that.” On the other hand, Dr. Hoglund proposed that it would be best for religion to be taught around ages 16-18 because that’s when young people are starting to differentiate their opinions from their parents’. At this time, young people are usually open to asking basic questions about the belief systems of other religious