How can educators explore the profound role of religion in American history while remaining grounded in constitutional principles? This collaborative workshop, featuring the Institute for Curriculum Services (ICS) and the National Constitution Center (NCC), equips educators with a clear, nonpartisan approach to teaching religious literacy with both pedagogical skill and constitutional confidence. Rooted in primary sources and First Amendment jurisprudence, the session offers practical strategies for engaging students in thoughtful, informed study of religion’s place in the American story.
Part 1: The Academic Approach in Practice with the Institute for Curriculum Services
ICS opens the session by exploring why religious literacy is a critical 21st-century skill. Moving beyond simple facts, this interactive segment utilizes the NCSS C3 Supplement on Teaching about Religion to help educators:
- Address the "Why": Leverage current data and academic research to understand the societal dangers of religious illiteracy—including the rise of prejudice and misinformation—and the power of religious literacy to foster empathy and critical thinking.
- Navigate the "How": Explore the legal foundations for teaching about religion in the U.S. and engage with real-world case studies to troubleshoot the challenges of this sensitive topic.
- Equip the Classroom: Gain access to guidelines and compelling digital resources for incorporating religious studies into instruction in a way that promotes robust civic engagement.
Part 2: Constitutional Foundations with the National Constitution Center
Building on the NCC’s educational framework, this session will feature a leading scholar to provide a deep dive into the constitutional "rules of the road." This expert briefing will clarify the constitutional landscape that governs religion in public life:
- The Establishment Clause: Examine the historical foundations and constitutional meaning of the relationship between government and religion, with attention to how these principles apply in school settings.
- The Free Exercise Clause: Explore how the Constitution protects the freedom of belief and practice, and how these protections have been interpreted over time through landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
- Scholar-Led Q&A: Engage directly with a constitutional expert to deepen understanding of the First Amendment and religious liberty.
The Impact on Your Instruction
- Instructional Confidence: Leave with clear, practical strategies for teaching about religion in ways that are rigorous, nonpartisan, and aligned with state standards.
- Constitutional Clarity: Gain a stronger understanding of the First Amendment through a direct dialogue with a leading legalt scholar.
- Resource Readiness: Access a suite of classroom-ready materials and digital tools designed to support immediate and meaningful student engagement.
