BIBLE IN SCHOOLS | Which Green Country schools are teaching it?

Over the last several weeks, announcements have been made by the State Department of Education (SDE) with the intent to require teachers to use the Bible as part of their instructional materials and to revise Oklahoma’s social studies standards. I know these announcements have resulted in many questions, therefore, I would like to share with you legal considerations regarding academic standards and instructional materials.

State law, 70 O.S. § 11-103.6a, is clear that the selection of curriculum and instructional materials used to teach subject matter standards is a matter of local control. State law allows, but does not mandate, the inclusion of the Bible as part of curriculum and/or as instructional material. It is common for the SDE to recommend certain curriculum and instructional resources
to assist educators in delivering instruction related to academic standards, however, SDE cannot mandate curriculum or instructional resources.

Oklahoma law requires adoption of subject matter standards on a six-year cycle. The existing social studies standards were adopted in 2019 and are up for adoption again in 2025. State law further requires that academic standards be approved by the State Board of Education and the state legislature before implementation. (Note: If the legislature fails to adopt a joint resolution either approving or disapproving the standards in whole or in part within 30 legislative days following the submission of the standards, the standards are considered approved).

SDE already suggests the Bible or passages within the Bible as a teaching resource for some academic standards. For example, within the approved social studies standards, World History Content Standards includes, “WH.1.2 - Describe the origins, major beliefs, spread and lasting impact of the world’s major religions and philosophies, including Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Confucianism, and Sikhism.”

The curriculum currently used by Owasso Public Schools is fully aligned with the approved Oklahoma Academic Standards and we will continue to adhere to the curriculum and instructional materials previously adopted by the district. As a public school system, it is crucial that we maintain neutrality and objectivity in our curriculum and instructional practices. Further, I want to reassure you that our current board policy #1.69, District Wide Parental Involvement (Parents/Legal Guardians) (Parents' Bill of Rights), provides you with the ability to inspect curriculum and instructional materials at any time. According to the policy, "parents who object to an assignment based on sex, morality or religion may opt their minor child out of the assignment." When this occurs, the teacher simply provides an alternative assignment for the student.

On June 27, 2024, Ryan Walters, State Superintendent for Public Instruction, issued this directive to school districts across the state requiring schools to incorporate the Bible as an instructional support into the curriculum in grades 5-12. Jenks Public Schools will continue to use our current curriculum and approved resources aligned to the Oklahoma Academic Standards approved by the Oklahoma State Legislature. Jenks Public Schools has no plans to change course from our current materials. JPS Board Policy 1.42 Religion, outlines the role of religion in curriculum and instruction, stating that it is permissible and desirable to teach objectively and accurately about the role of religion in the history of the United States and other countries in alignment with the Oklahoma Academic Standards.

Students have always been allowed to bring a Bible or other religious texts to school. As part of the curriculum, religious literature, music, drama, and the arts may be included, provided each is intrinsic to the learning experience in the various fields of study and is presented objectively. Also, as part of the curriculum, students may be asked to read selections from writings for literary and historical qualities, but not for devotional purposes.

Jenks Public Schools will continue to comply with the Oklahoma Academic Standards while fostering a safe, respectful environment for all learners.

World History Standard 1.2: Describe the origins, central beliefs, spread, and lasting impact of the world’s major religions and philosophies, including Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Confucianism, and Sikhism.

Good evening Tiger family.

In light of recent events at the state level and the resulting questions we’ve received from staff and parents, Broken Arrow Public Schools would like to issue the following statement:

On June 27, 2024, the state superintendent for public instruction issued a directive to school districts across the state requiring schools to incorporate the Bible as an instructional support into the curriculum for grades 5-12. Additional guidance was issued today, July 24, 2024.

We have reviewed all information received on this topic, met with our internal instructional experts, and can confirm that Broken Arrow Public Schools is already compliant with the academic standards approved by the Oklahoma State Legislature. For the 24-25 school year, we will continue to use our current curriculum and approved resources which are aligned with the Oklahoma Academic Standards.

Our existing district Board Policy 3020 on Religion in School clearly outlines the role of religion in curriculum and instruction. According to this existing policy, it is already permissible to teach objectively and accurately about the role of the Bible in the history of the United States and other countries, in alignment with the Oklahoma Academic Standards. The district will have to find funds to purchase the mandatory instructional supports outlined in the most recent guidance, but no curriculum or instructional changes are necessary at this time. Additional information will be provided should the situation change in the weeks to come.

The district will continue to comply with the Oklahoma Academic Standards while also fostering a safe, respectful learning environment for all students and all staff members.

As you may be aware, the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) recently issued a memorandum and guidelines on the incorporation of the Bible into classroom instruction.

Sand Springs Public Schools adheres to the Oklahoma State Academic Standards, which are adopted by the Oklahoma legislature and supported by OSDE. These standards and the law already permit the Bible as an instructional support for many subjects. For example, World History Content Standards include the following: “WH.1.2   Describe the origins, major beliefs, spread and lasting impact of the world’s major religions and philosophies, including Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Confucianism, and Sikhism.”

Our teachers will continue providing a high-quality education using our previously approved curriculum. This curriculum is in compliance with the current academic standards and state law.

Learn more about academic standards here. View our district policies here.

This morning, Oklahoma school districts received new guidance from the Oklahoma State Department of Education regarding classroom curriculum and foundational texts. 

While we will continue to review the memo to better understand the expectations, the district carefully selects its instructional materials based upon the State Board of Education’s subject matter standards. This is because state law vests the State Board of Education with sole authority to specify the content of subject matter standards—just as it vests districts with exclusive authority to determine the instruction, curriculum, reading lists, textbooks and other instructional materials for use in the district’s schools. Okla. Stat. tit. 70, § 11-103.6a(E), (F). 

Given this authority as a local district, Tulsa Public Schools will continue its planned course of instruction and curriculum developed with adherence to state law.