JOHNSON CITY, TN (WJHL) -A new statewide effort to teach Tennessee students about Islam is drawing criticism by some parents and even some state lawmakers. One of them is even calling for changes on the Tennessee State Board of Education.
The book, "My World: History and Geography", mandated by the state board of education created a new curriculum for seventh grade social studies. One full unit of the book covers Islam.
"These are historical, factual pieces that we're bringing together in one year for seventh graders," said Dr. Debra Bentley with Johnson City Schools.
The course syllabus says students will trace the origins of Islam and teachings of Muhammad, the significance of the Quran and the Sunnah, or the Islamic way of life.
Bentley said, "we're not studying in seventh grade Islam, Buddhism or Catholicism or Christianity in the 21st century." She asked, "does this make sense? It's a historical perspective."
"I don't have a problem with him learning it from a historical stand point," said Cindy Poole. Cindy and Tracy Poole have a seventh grade son at Liberty Bell Middle School. Tracy said, "it's how we learned about it. When you hear about a curriculum that goes seven weeks, that's pretty significant."
Interesting stuff...how about a 7 week course on Christianity?
http://bit.ly/1r3lQBg
The book, "My World: History and Geography", mandated by the state board of education created a new curriculum for seventh grade social studies. One full unit of the book covers Islam.
"These are historical, factual pieces that we're bringing together in one year for seventh graders," said Dr. Debra Bentley with Johnson City Schools.
The course syllabus says students will trace the origins of Islam and teachings of Muhammad, the significance of the Quran and the Sunnah, or the Islamic way of life.
Bentley said, "we're not studying in seventh grade Islam, Buddhism or Catholicism or Christianity in the 21st century." She asked, "does this make sense? It's a historical perspective."
"I don't have a problem with him learning it from a historical stand point," said Cindy Poole. Cindy and Tracy Poole have a seventh grade son at Liberty Bell Middle School. Tracy said, "it's how we learned about it. When you hear about a curriculum that goes seven weeks, that's pretty significant."
Interesting stuff...how about a 7 week course on Christianity?
http://bit.ly/1r3lQBg
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