This bill amends Iowa law to allow school districts to offer elective social studies courses focused on religious scripture, specifically the Hebrew Scriptures, the Old Testament, and the New Testament. It mandates the state board of education to establish course standards, including practitioner preparation and professional development requirements for teachers. The courses aim to provide students with knowledge of biblical content and its influence on contemporary society, culture, literature, and more. The bill stipulates that the courses must adhere to federal and state guidelines regarding religious neutrality and must not endorse or promote any particular religion or nonreligious perspective.
Additionally, the bill outlines the process for a school district to offer these courses, requiring a recommendation from the school improvement advisory committee and a majority vote from the school board. It allows students to use various translations of the scriptures rather than being restricted to a specific text. The bill also permits the display of historic artifacts and religious materials in conjunction with the course, provided it aligns with educational purposes and respects parental wishes regarding religious content. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance students' understanding of religious texts while maintaining a neutral educational environment.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 256.7, 280.12