Oconee County Schools are exploring the addition of Bible courses to public high schools, with plans to implement them in 2025.
According to state law, school boards can permit high schools in their districts to offer elective courses focused on the history and literature of both the Old Testament and New Testament. These courses must be taught objectively, ensuring that teachers do not influence students’ beliefs.
Update from School Officials
During a school board meeting on Monday night, Andy Smith, the Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Instruction, provided an update on the plans. He mentioned that one high school aimed to introduce Bible courses in the 2022-23 school year. However, the teacher for those classes left the district before the courses could be launched.
Smith noted that at least one certified social studies teacher in the district is interested in teaching the Old and New Testament courses. He recommended adding these courses to high school registration in the spring, with a goal of offering them starting in the fall of 2025. For the courses to proceed, there must be enough student interest to justify hiring a teacher for a 90-minute class block each semester.
Researching Other Districts
Smith also reached out to neighboring school districts, including Pickens and Anderson County, to learn how they handle similar courses. However, he found that they do not currently offer on-campus Bible courses.
The State Board of Education has established standards for Bible curriculum within social studies courses. These standards include analyzing how the Old and New Testaments have influenced various aspects of society, including art, culture, customs, history, government, literature, law, morals, music, and values.
The potential introduction of these courses in Oconee County Schools has sparked discussions about the role of religious education in public schooling, emphasizing the need for objective teaching that respects diverse beliefs.
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