ERIC Number: EJ1451696
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 39
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0093-3104
EISSN: EISSN-2163-1654
Included, but How? A Critical Investigation into Elementary Social Studies Standards about Religion
Theory and Research in Social Education, v52 n4 p575-613 2024
Teaching about religion in public schools is a complicated and nuanced topic. Though religious illiteracy has been named as a widespread concern throughout the United States, little research has been conducted that critically analyzes what teachers are asked to cover. Preservice teachers often confess they do not understand what they are and are not allowed to say about religion, and many teachers choose to ignore teaching about religion at all. In this study, I conducted a critical content analysis of elementary standards about religion included in the state social studies standards documents for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Then, using critical religious pluralism theory, I investigated the standards based on the inclusion of religious groups in curriculum content, as well as the extent to which this inclusion demonstrates challenges related to inclusion in curricula. Finally, I critically interrogated the ideology of the standards and made suggestions for how teachers and teacher educators can advocate for the inclusion of religion in elementary social studies.
Descriptors: Elementary School Students, Religious Education, Public Schools, Controversial Issues (Course Content), State Standards, Social Studies, Cultural Pluralism, Course Content, Ideology, Advocacy, Inclusion, Elementary School Teachers, Religion Studies
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A