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While some public schools have made their classrooms decidedly politically correct, including banning Christmas carols on campus, other states seem to be headed in the opposite direction. A number of states around the country are introducing legislation to bring the Bible back to school � purportedly as a resource for teaching the history of the United States, rather than advocating a particular religion. Still, many believe that biblical studies of any kind in public schools are a flagrant First Amendment violation. Which side is right? It turns out the matter may be too complex for a single, easy answer.

The First Amendment

The First Amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…�

“Largely because of this prohibition against government regulation or endorsement of religion, diverse faiths have flourished and thrived in America since the founding of the republic,� states the . “Indeed, James Madison, the father of the United States Constitution, once observed that, ‘the [religious] devotion of the people has been manifestly increased by the total separation of the church from the state.�

The words of the Constitution sound relatively straightforward, but they have been hotly debated for generations. Determining what constitutes the separation of church and state is not an easy task, particularly when First Amendment issues enter into the public school forum. Prayer, Bible study, and teachings on creationism and evolution have all become hot-button issues in school

Teacher tenure has been in existence since the beginning of the 20^th century, as a way to protect teachers from discrimination or arbitrary firing. However, many argue today that the very system designed to protect teachers is now hurting students, due to its inability to reward exceptional instructors or get rid of those who are consistently shown to be ineffective in the classroom. As states across the country struggle to find methods of evaluating teachers, powerful unions are fighting them every step of the way. However, in a few cases, the battle is resulting in a reasonable compromise that ultimately ensures students receive the highest possible quality of education by those at the front of the classroom every day.

Analysis Shows Teacher Tenure Weakening Nationwide

According to the , a recent analysis by the National Council on Teacher Quality shows that support for traditional tenure rules weakening across the country. Some states have already done away with tenure rules altogether, while others are looking into revamping the guidelines to link evaluations to teacher performance rather than just seniority. Those in favor of the process believe performance-based evaluations will help reward good teachers and get rid of ineffective instructors. Those opposed, including many teachers� unions, say the new rules may hurt morale and deny teachers due process.

The recent data from the National Council on Teacher Quality shows the tide may be turning. In 2009, no state regarded student performance as a

Book banning is an age-old concept that is nearly always met with a public outcry. That is certainly the case in two areas of the country today, where schools that have banned specific books from the classroom have been met with plenty of resistance from parents and educators. The ACLU has even involved itself in one of the situations, with a goal of protecting the civil rights of teachers and students. Is book banning appropriate in certain situations? We’ll take a look at what those involved are saying about the recent proposals to ban some pieces of literature from the classroom.

Arizona Ethnic Study Ban Includes Works by Shakespeare

Two years ago, Arizona instituted a law banning ethnic studies, a move that made headlines and ruffled many feathers in the world of education. According to a report at the , one high school teacher recently discovered that the ban includes “The Tempest� by William Shakespeare. The teacher had requested to begin teaching from the work but was told he would not be able to do so.

The now-former Arizona teacher, Curtis Acosta, wrote in a statement printed at the Wall Street Journal, “I asked if I could start teaching Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest, and was told no, due to the themes that are present and the likelihood of avoiding discussions of colonization, enslavement, and racism were remote.�

The new Arizona law prohibits any type of course or class that “promotes the overthrow of the

Most Americans take the public education system in this country for granted, assuming that education for all American citizens is a right that has always been provided. However, the history of public education in the United States is one that dates back centuries, and it offers insight into the constantly evolving process of creating a learned society in this country. By understanding our roots in public education, it is easier to discuss the general purpose of public education in the broader scope of where the educational structure lies today.

Three Central Questions of Public Education

The definition of “public education� may vary, depending on the country to which you are referring. In the United States, as well as Australia and Canada, public education is defined at as a “federally funded school, administered to some extent by the government, and charged with educating all citizens.� It refers to both primary and secondary schools, as well as some public institutions of higher education, although there is typically a cost to attend such institutions. Public schools have been present in America almost since the time the first immigrants landed on Plymouth Rock and called this country home.

Since the beginning, three core questions have evolved as the government has struggled to find the best methods for educating its citizens. According to a report at PBS.org, these questions include:

• What is the primary purpose of public education?
• Who should be able to receive the educational services provided to the

Despite the fact that New Jersey boasts a higher per-pupil expenditure in public education than any other state in the country, many of the public schools across the state are failing to provide the quality education students need to succeed today. This is particularly true in low-income cities like Camden, Trenton and Newark, where high school graduation rates fall well below the state average. Concerned with the data coming out of his school districts, Governor Chris Christie promised to make 2011 the year of education reform. His first legislative victory to that end will go into effect in 2012, allowing non-profit organizations to construct new schools in failing areas of the state.

The Urban Hope Act

The recent bill signed by Governor Christie, known as the “Urban Hope Act,� is a 10-year pilot program that allows non-profits to build and run schools in low-income areas of the state. According to a report at , these schools, referred to as “renaissance schools,� will be located in the cities of Trenton, Newark and Camden � currently classified as some of the poorest cities in the country. Groups interested in taking on a school construction project may apply through local school boards first and then through the state department of education. As many as four schools in each city will be allowed.

“This is an innovative idea that allows us to partner with folks who will bring capital to the table to build these schools,�