Teaching about Religion in National and State Social Studies Standards. Executive Summary

This executive summary is an overview of the complete study of current national and state standards documents pertaining to history and social studies, focusing on the teaching about religion. The complete study analyzes the standards and program frameworks in seven national curriculum documents and the academic standards documents and curriculum frameworks developed and adopted by most of the 50 states. References to religion in each document were identified based on a series of keywords. The placement, quantity, and characteristics of content on religion is encouraging, but the study reveals limitations and gaps in integrating discussion of the human religious experience in the nation's social studies standards. Despite religion's secure place in state and national standards, it is possible to conclude that teaching about religion in U.S. public school social studies programs is limited, and it is questionable whether the topic is being pursued with much seriousness or depth. The executive summary addresses the study's objectives and methodology, profiles the seven national curriculum documents and the state standards and framework documents, and highlights the study's conclusions and recommendations. (BT)