Tennessee Code 49-6-1005 – Inclusion of religion for education purposes only – Adoption of policy regarding inclusion of religion in local curriculum – Publicly available syllabus – Revision of social studies standards
(a) The inclusion of religion in textbooks, instructional materials, curriculum, or academic standards shall be for educational purposes only and shall not be used to proselytize or establish any religion or religious belief.
Terms Used In Tennessee Code 49-6-1005
State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
(b) Prior to the 2016-2017 school year, each local school board shall adopt a policy regarding the appropriate inclusion of religion in local curriculum and instructional materials; provided, that an opportunity for public comment shall be provided by each local school board before adoption of the policy.(c) Each LEA shall make publicly available a syllabus for all grade six (6) through twelve (12) social studies, science, math, and English language arts courses. The syllabus shall at a minimum include:
(1) A course calendar that includes standards, objectives, and topics covered;(2) Major assignments required and field trips; and(3) Procedures for parental access to instructional materials in accordance with § 49-6-7003.(d)(1) The state board of education shall initiate a revision process for the social studies standards adopted in 2013.(2) The revision process shall be in accordance with § 49-1-313.(3) The state board shall ensure that the revised standards do not promote religion and do not amount to indoctrination or proselytism.
