Madison Metropolitan School District
Board of Education Policies and Procedures

POLICY	CURRICULUM	3177 Instruction

Holidays Associated With Religion

The Madison Metropolitan School District is committed to an integrated multicultural curriculum. Holidays associated with religion sometimes have cultural significance. The cultural expressions about holidays associated with religion may be taught in the classroom as part of an integrated multicultural curriculum.

The classroom teacher shall determine, within the normal process of the District, whether and how to help students learn about holidays associated with religion. The curriculum and related activities shall be inclusive of all students and conform to Board Policy 3170 on Controversial Issues.

Any school activity that relates to holidays associated with religion shall have a secular educational purpose, shall not advance or inhibit religion, shall avoid excessive entanglement with religion, and shall not violate the Wisconsin Constitution's prohibition of religious or sectarian instruction.

GUIDELINES

The Madison Metropolitan School District population includes students from many religious belief systems, as well as students who do not believe in religion. The District respects the right of parents to educate their children in spiritual and religious matters, including the interpretation of the spiritual significance of religious holidays. Celebrating religious holidays is the responsibility of families and religious institutions. Teachers may choose to teach or not to teach about holidays associated with religious traditions. These guidelines will assist teachers who choose to teach about these traditions by appropriately balancing this teaching with the District's commitment to provide an inclusive environment where diversity is acknowledged and appreciated.

1. Child-initiated activities. Classrooms should reflect a climate where cultural, religious, and non-religious differences are respected and self expression is encouraged. All children should feel that their traditions will be respected and valued. All students can participate in sharing activities and learn from one another regardless of their religious or non-religious beliefs and traditions.

   Opportunities for self expression will promote positive self esteem and enhance a sense of belonging. Children can express their interest in a variety of ways through themes for art work and writing projects, as well as literature and music selections.

2. Teacher-initiated activities. Teachers shall make the decision whether or not to teach about holidays associated with religious traditions as part of their overall curriculum. This part of the curriculum will be governed by Board Policy 3170 on Controversial Issues.

   In choosing holiday activities designed to foster appreciation of diversity, teachers should assume diversity exists among their students and consider the social, emotional, and cognitive development of their students. If any chosen holiday has religious significance for some, care should be taken that the activities do not require students to celebrate the holiday, express assent to a particular belief system, or participate in ceremonies traditionally performed in faith communities.

   Teachers will avoid emphasis on information or activities related to any one religious tradition. Information and activities, classroom decorations, or displays will reflect a balance of cultural diversity.

   Information or activities that are provided by the teacher and are related to a holiday associated with religion shall:

   1. Be within the context of the curriculum;
   2. Have a secular educational purpose;
   3. Adhere to the principles of multicultural education;
   4. Not advance or inhibit religion; and
   5. Avoid excessive entanglement with religion.

   The perspectives of those who do not believe in religion or whose religions do not have holidays need to be considered and introduced where developmentally appropriate for the students involved.

3. Music. Much of the inspiration for the world's greatest artists and composers had its basis in religion. The study of their works does not imply or require acceptance of the composer's religious beliefs. Music teachers are expected to seek a balance of musical selections from different cultures and provide instruction in music that can be appreciated by a diverse community.

   Activities, such as singing holiday songs, should be presented in an educational context, including information on the history and cultural traditions associated with the songs. Activities should be developed based on the assumption of cultural pluralism rather than on the assumption that all share similar religious beliefs or have similar knowledge or cultural traditions.

   The opportunity for student performance is an important part of our music curriculum. Some of these opportunities will be at functions primarily inspired by holidays, i.e., winter parties or singing in the malls. The teacher must apply these Guidelines in terms of inclusiveness, lack of excessive attention, dignity, and educational context. Though these performances are acceptable, they should be balanced with performances for purely secular activities. Student participation in performances inspired by holidays associated with religion must be optional.

10/22/91

Last Updated: Wed Jul 19 14:07:54 2006
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