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Policy committee to require direct instruction for specified observances under federal guidance
Summary
Springfield Township SD’s policy committee reviewed changes to Policy 105 to include U.S. Department of Education expectations for direct instruction on certain observances such as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, while noting separation from religious celebrations.
The Springfield Township School District policy committee reviewed proposed revisions to Policy 105 on Sept. 29 that incorporate U.S. Department of Education expectations for direct instruction on certain observances.
Dr. Johnson said the district was advised to add specific language to require direct instruction — for example, lessons or presentations for Constitution Day and Citizenship Day — rather than only informal or optional activities. The committee discussed that these federal expectations do not mandate instruction on religious holidays and that material about religious holidays may be taught as information, not as celebration, in keeping with separation of church and state.
Student representatives asked how the instruction would vary by grade level. Dr. Johnson said the curriculum office will develop developmental guidelines showing what is expected of kindergarteners, middle-school students and high-school students so all pupils receive age-appropriate instruction across K–12.
Committee members voiced support to proceed with the draft policy updates, with further implementation planning to follow board action.
