The History-Social Science Framework for California Public Schools "supports the frequent study and discussion of the fundamental principles embodied in the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights...including the right to freedom of religion."

-- History-Social Science Framework for California Public Schools

As educators implement the framework and respond to community concerns they can refer to sections in the Appendix of the framework: "Religious Liberty, Public Education, and the Future of American Democracy: A Statement of Principles" and "Guidelines for Teaching About Religion." As stated in the framework, "these guidelines distinguish between instruction about religion and religious indoctrination," and "are excellent resources for all individuals and groups to use in their work to bring people together, ensure the survival of democracy in our nation, and teach about religion in an academic way that is constitutionally permissible and educationally sound."

Both of these guidelines outlined in the framework are reprinted in Finding Common Ground: A First Amendment Guide to Religion and Public Education, which can be downloaded from the publications page of First Amendment Center and Freedom Forum.

More information on the role of religion in public schools can be found at:

First Amendment Center

Topics include: Freedom of speech, freedom of press, religious liberty, freedom of assembly, freedom of petition, as well as reports on State of the First Amendment.

Freedom Forum

Main focus is on the First Amendment in the courts, press, schools and public sphere, and Diversity in journalism.

California Three Rs Project

Bulletin topics include: Religion in the History-Social Science Textbook Adoption, Student Religious Clubs in Public Schools, and Student Expression at Graduation - What's a Principal to Do?