In recent years a model has emerged that is consistent with the First Amendment and fair to people of all faiths and none. A Statement of Principles, issued in 1995 by 24 advocacy groups. Strong consensus also exists about the importance of teaching about religion in public schools. To accomplish this, teacher education will have to ensure that teachers get adequate preparation in the study of religion. A number of states already have programs, and there are also new classroom resources that make it possible for teachers to enrich the existing curriculum with substantive and scholarly study of religion.
Sidebars provide information about guidelines and other resources.
Such variables as class size, students' previous test performance, and parents' education and socioeconomic levels will also be taken into account. Teachers can receive bonuses for individual performance as well as for being part of a group that helps raise student achievement. At least 10 percent, but not more than 20 percent, of all teachers will receive awards. Bonuses for groups of teachers would go to groups of from three to 12 teachers. The groups will be evaluated on tangible student outcomes or by outcomes agreed to by an independent educational consultant.