School Board Academy Flashcards
What is statesmanship?
A wise, skillful, and respected leader
Statesmanship involves leadership qualities essential for effective governance.
What are the principles of statesmanship?
- Prudence
- Integrity
- Kindness & Respect
These principles guide effective public service and leadership.
Define prudence in the context of statesmanship.
The ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason
Prudence involves sagacity, caution, and discretion in managing affairs.
What does integrity mean in statesmanship?
Firm adherence to a code of moral values
Integrity emphasizes consistency between actions and words.
True or False: Integrity in statesmanship means doing what you say you would do.
True
Integrity requires that leaders act in accordance with their commitments.
List the key aspects of kindness and respect in statesmanship.
- The Golden Rule
- Salt & light
- Priority on relationships
- Disagree agreeably
- Find common ground
- Build coalitions
These aspects foster a collaborative environment in governance.
Fill in the blank: The art of _______ is essential for effective governance.
[governing]
Governing requires skill and understanding of public service principles.
What is the significance of the School Board Academy?
Equipping Christian state legislators for effective public service
It has graduated 150 individuals across 35 states since 2016.
What does the term ‘sagacity’ refer to in the context of prudence?
Shrewdness in the management of affairs
Sagacity is an essential quality for effective decision-making.
What is the role of caution in prudence?
Circumspection and discretion in decision-making
Caution helps prevent hasty or unwise choices.
What does the Greek word ‘aletheia’ mean?
Reality
‘Aletheia’ is the Greek term for ‘truth’ used in John 8:31-32.
What is the significance of ultimate truth according to the session?
Ultimate truth exists independent of us and can be discovered.
What percentage of young adults report a lack of purpose in life?
75%
What percentage of young adults regularly struggle with anxiety and depression?
53%
According to M. Scott Peck, what is mental health?
An ongoing process of dedication to reality at all costs.
What does the Latin root of ‘education’ (Educare) mean?
To lead into.
What is a worldview?
A pattern of ideas, beliefs, convictions, and habits that help us make sense of God, the world, and our relationship to both.
What are the two facts about worldviews?
- Worldviews are religious
- Worldviews have consequences
What worldview does Islam represent?
Submission, where humanity is broken because it has strayed from its original state of Islam.
What does secularism assert about the universe?
The physical universe is all there is; humanity is broken because of ignorance.
According to Marxism, what is the solution to humanity’s brokenness?
Redemption comes through overthrowing society’s structures and moving toward communism.
What does New Spirituality claim about everything that exists?
Everything that exists is an impersonal spiritual force.
What does postmodernism focus on regarding truth?
Suspicion towards claims of ultimate truth and focus on socially constructed personal experiences.
What is the Christian perspective on humanity’s brokenness?
Humanity is broken because of sin, and redemption is possible through Jesus.
What is the first principle of a Christian worldview related to education?
Sphere Sovereignty.
What is the purpose of the church according to the Christian worldview?
To honor the past by manifesting God’s love and grace on earth.
What is the purpose of the government in a Christian worldview?
To honor the present by securing justice and liberty.
What is the purpose of the family in a Christian worldview?
To honor the future by preparing children to be good stewards.
What does the principle of subsidiarity state?
Social bodies exist for the sake of the individual.
What foundational belief is expressed in the Declaration of Independence?
All men are created equal, endowed with certain unalienable Rights.
Where can practical resources for educators be found?
Summit Ministries Resource Library.
What is the primary purpose of Roberts Rules of Order?
To provide a systematic method for conducting meetings and making decisions.
True or False: Roberts Rules of Order can only be used by parliamentary bodies.
False
What is a quorum in the context of a school board meeting?
The minimum number of members required to be present to conduct business.
Fill in the blank: The presiding officer of a meeting is often referred to as the __________.
Chairperson
What is a motion?
A formal proposal made by a member for the meeting to take action.
What does it mean to ‘second’ a motion?
It indicates that at least one other member supports the motion for discussion.
Multiple Choice: What is the purpose of an agenda?
To outline the topics to be discussed during the meeting.
True or False: Members can interrupt the speaker at any time during a meeting.
False
What is the role of the secretary in a school board meeting?
To keep accurate minutes of the meeting proceedings.
Fill in the blank: A __________ is a request for the meeting to take a specific action.
motion
What is required for a motion to pass?
It must receive a majority vote from the members present.
What is a point of order?
A statement made by a member to call attention to a violation of the rules.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of motion?
Point of information
True or False: Members can debate a motion before it is voted on.
True
What does it mean to ‘table’ a motion?
To temporarily set aside the motion for later discussion.
Fill in the blank: A __________ is a motion that brings a matter back before the assembly.
reconsideration
What is the main function of the chair during a meeting?
To facilitate the meeting and ensure the rules are followed.
True or False: All members have an equal right to speak during a meeting.
True
What is an amendment?
A change or addition proposed to a motion under discussion.
Multiple Choice: How long can members speak on a motion?
Usually a specified time set by the chair.
What is the purpose of ‘New Business’ on an agenda?
To introduce topics that have not been previously discussed.
Fill in the blank: A __________ motion is used to end debate on a motion.
closure
True or False: The chair can vote on motions.
True, but usually only to break a tie.
What does it mean to ‘call the question’?
To request a vote on the motion under discussion.
What is the difference between ‘privileged motions’ and ‘incidental motions’?
Privileged motions deal with urgent matters, while incidental motions arise out of the business at hand.
Fill in the blank: A __________ is used to express dissatisfaction with the chair’s ruling.
appeal
What is the purpose of committee reports?
To inform the assembly about the work and recommendations of committees.
Multiple Choice: Which motion is used to extend the time for debate?
Motion to extend limits of debate
True or False: A motion can be made during the discussion of another motion.
True, as long as it is a subsidiary or incidental motion.
What is a ‘friendly amendment’?
An amendment proposed by a member that is accepted by the original motion maker.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is the final decision on a motion.
vote
What is the purpose of the ‘minutes’ of a meeting?
To provide a written record of what occurred during the meeting.
Multiple Choice: Which type of motion requires a two-thirds vote?
Motion to limit debate
True or False: All motions require a second to be considered.
False, some motions do not require a second.
What is the process for handling a motion?
It must be made, seconded, debated, and then voted on.
Fill in the blank: A __________ motion is one that cannot be debated.
non-debatable
What does ‘suspending the rules’ mean?
Temporarily setting aside the established rules to allow for a specific action.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of a privileged motion?
Motion to adjourn
True or False: A member can withdraw their motion after it has been seconded.
True
What is the purpose of a ‘point of information’?
To request clarification or additional information regarding the discussion.
Fill in the blank: The __________ is responsible for ensuring that the meeting follows the agenda.
chair
What must schools engage in regarding sexually explicit content?
Schools must engage in age-appropriateness of sexually explicit content in their curriculum and library.
What legal requirement prohibits schools from providing materials to minors?
Criminal laws prohibit schools from giving materials to minors in curriculum or library that a court deems pornographic or obscene.
Can school boards establish standards for sexually explicit content beyond criminal law?
Yes, school boards are legally permitted to articulate standards that go beyond criminal law.
Why do many schools lack written policies for sexually explicit material?
Many schools have no policy standards for sexually explicit material beyond criminal law.
What is the purpose of having written age-appropriate standards for sexually explicit materials?
To protect students and ensure better educational content in curriculum and libraries.
How do written policies protect school staff and districts?
They protect staff and districts from costly litigation.
Can a school administrator remove materials deemed age-inappropriate?
Yes, a school administrator is permitted to remove materials they deem age-inappropriate.
What authority do parents have regarding age-appropriate determinations for their child?
Parents have ultimate authority to make additional age-appropriate determinations for their child.
True or False: Age-appropriate policies are considered book bans.
False. Age-appropriate policies are not banning books; they determine what to include in the library and curriculum.
What recent legal decision rejected the labeling of school standards as ‘book bans’?
A federal court in Missouri rejected the labeling of common-sense school standards as ‘book bans’ in August 2022.
Do school policies prevent parents from buying sexually explicit books for their children?
No, school policies do not prevent parents from buying sexually explicit books for their children.
Can students bring their own sexually explicit books to school?
Yes, students can bring their own books to school and read them at appropriate times.
How do school policies treat sexually explicit content regardless of the nature of the depictions?
They treat appropriate sexually explicit content the same regardless of whether the depictions are between straight, gay, or even a lone person.
What do many schools lack regarding sexually explicit content?
Too many schools lack baseline standards regarding sexually explicit content in school libraries.
What should schools focus their finite time on?
Schools ought to spend their finite time on academic excellence.
Does refusal to purchase sexually explicit content constitute a ban?
No, refusal to purchase it is not a ban.
Fill in the blank: Schools are permitted to create policies that appear to ______ sexually explicit content.
[restrict]
Do students and educators have First Amendment religious rights inside public schools?
Yes
Can students speak about their faith even when teachers must be neutral?
Yes
How must schools treat religious activity compared to other activities?
Schools cannot treat religious activity differently than other activity
When can students pray during school?
During lunch, recess, or other designated free time
Can students pray silently during a school’s moment of silence?
Yes
Can students read the Bible or other religious materials at school?
Yes
Are students allowed to share their faith with fellow students?
Yes
Can schools acknowledge religion?
Yes
Can students pray at school athletic competitions when school officials are not involved?
Yes
Can a school district allow student-led prayer before an athletic competition?
Yes, under certain conditions
Can students pray at graduation ceremonies?
Yes
Can a public school refer to ‘Christmas’ and have a ‘Christmas party’?
Yes, if the intent is not to advance Christianity
Can a public school display Christmas decorations?
Yes, if the intent is to teach and not part of a religious exercise
Can a public school include religious Christmas music in a performance?
Yes, if used to teach history or cultural heritage
Can students give out Christmas gifts with religious messages at school parties?
Yes
Can students incorporate their faith in classroom assignments?
Yes, under normal and appropriate circumstances
Can a public school district be hostile toward religious beliefs?
No
Can teachers discuss religion with students?
Yes, under many conditions
Can teachers discuss religion with other teachers or school employees?
Yes
Can a public school limit religious speech by students?
No, unless they limit other speech
Can students have a religious club at their school?
Yes
When can religious student groups meet on campus?
Whenever other non-curricular clubs can meet
Can religious clubs use the same school resources available to non-religious clubs?
Yes
Can teachers attend a religious student group’s meetings in a supervisory role?
Yes, in most states
Can members of religious student clubs distribute flyers about meetings?
Yes, like non-religious clubs
What must teachers and school employees do during instructional time regarding religion?
Remain neutral toward religion.
They can discuss the historical and cultural role of religion as part of a secular program of education.
When can teachers promote religion according to the U.S. Department of Education?
When not acting in their official capacities.
For example, during personal time before school or during lunch.
Can school officials participate in private religious events on school grounds?
Yes, if it is before or after school hours.
They can attend events like a church group renting a classroom for a party.
What is the restriction on school facilities for employee prayer groups?
Schools cannot bar the use of facilities for prayer groups during non-instructional time if they allow other social activities.
However, if there is a policy against all non-business related activities, they can exclude prayer groups.
What does the U.S. Supreme Court state about teachers’ First Amendment rights?
Teachers and students do not shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate.
This has been upheld for almost 50 years.
In what scenarios is a school prohibited from restricting religious expression among its employees?
When the expression is non-disruptive, unrelated to official duties, and not coercive to students.
This includes written or oral religious advocacy.
True or False: A school can retaliate against a teacher for writing a religious-based letter to the local newspaper.
False.
Schools cannot retaliate against such expressions of faith.
Fill in the blank: Teachers may meet for prayer or Bible study to the same extent that they may engage in other _______.
nonreligious activities.
This applies before school or during lunch.
What must schools do if they allow outside groups to use their facilities?
Give teachers the same access for religious meetings.
This ensures equal treatment regarding facility use.
What is the implication of the First Amendment for teachers regarding religious attire?
Teachers cannot be prohibited from wearing religious attire or jewelry.
This falls under their rights to freedom of expression.
What does Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibit?
Discrimination on the basis of religion by employers with 15 or more employees
Title VII also prohibits creating a hostile work environment based on religion.
What is considered a hostile work environment under Title VII?
Severe or pervasive harassment on the basis of religion
Employers must not tolerate such harassment.
What should you do if you experience religious discrimination or harassment?
Reach out to an attorney to discuss filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the appropriate state agency
This is crucial for protecting your rights.
What right do religious teachers and employees have in a school environment?
The right to request a religious accommodation
This right is protected under Title VII.
What must employers do regarding religious accommodation requests?
Grant reasonable requests unless it causes an undue hardship
Undue hardship is defined as more than a de minimis cost.
What types of requests have traditionally been covered under religious accommodations?
Requests to not work on certain days or modifications to grooming policies
Examples include observing Sabbath or wearing religious attire.
How is ‘religion’ defined under Title VII?
Broadly, to include all aspects of religious observance and belief
This includes a variety of circumstances beyond traditional examples.
What is a common scenario where religious accommodations may be needed?
Attending a religious event during the school day
School districts may accommodate such requests.
What should you keep in mind when requesting a religious accommodation?
Employers need to know you need one
This is essential for the request to be considered.
How should you make your religious accommodation requests?
In writing, such as an emailed request, and retain a copy
This provides documentation of your request.
What should you include when explaining your religious beliefs in a request?
Clearly and concisely explain your religious beliefs and the accommodation sought
Clarity helps in processing the request.
What is the recommended approach when working with your employer on an accommodation?
Try to come up with a win-win solution
Collaboration can lead to better outcomes.
What attitude should you maintain when requesting a religious accommodation?
Be polite and respectful at all times
Professionalism aids in negotiation.
What issues are increasingly conflicting with some religious employees’ beliefs?
Issues of gender and sexuality policies in school districts
This raises questions about rights for religious teachers.
What resource is recommended for more information on religious liberty for employees?
First Liberty’s Religious Liberty Kit for Employees
This kit provides guidance on navigating these issues.
What should you do if you have questions about your rights as a public-school employee?
Seek legal assistance
First Liberty attorneys can help protect your rights.
What did the Supreme Court hold on June 27, 2022, regarding Coach Kennedy’s postgame prayer?
The Free Exercise and Free Speech Clauses of the First Amendment protected Coach Kennedy’s brief, quiet, personal postgame prayer.
What initiated the legal battle involving Coach Kennedy?
Coach Kennedy was fired in 2015 for kneeling at the fifty-yard-line after football games to say a brief prayer of thanks.
Which organization represented Coach Kennedy in his lawsuit against the school district?
First Liberty Institute.
What was the outcome of the Supreme Court’s ruling for public school employees?
It ushered in a new era of expanded religious liberty for school employees.
Do public school employees lose their constitutional rights at school?
No, they do not shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.
When are school employees acting in their personal capacity?
When they are not acting in their official capacities as school employees.
What activities can public school employees participate in regarding religion during personal time?
They may take part in religious activities such as:
* Praying at permissible times
* Meeting for prayer or bible study
* Participating in privately sponsored baccalaureate ceremonies.
Can public school employees pray with students during instructional time?
Generally, no.
What distinction did the Supreme Court make regarding Coach Kennedy’s prayers?
His postgame prayers were in his personal capacity and constitutionally protected, unlike prayers attributable to the State.
What does neutrality toward religion in schools require?
It does not require the absence of religion altogether; employees can discuss the historical and cultural role of religion.
Are students allowed to pray on their own at school?
Yes, students may pray on their own.
Can public school employees wear demonstrative religious imagery at school?
Yes.
What did the Supreme Court disagree with regarding the lower court’s decision on school employees’ speech?
The lower court treated everything school employees say in the workplace as government speech subject to government control.
What reasoning did the Supreme Court provide against the lower court’s logic?
It would allow a school to fire a Muslim teacher for wearing a headscarf or prohibit a Christian aide from praying quietly over her lunch.
Under what condition can school employees engage in non-disruptive religious expression?
When it is unrelated to the scope of their official duties and generally not coercive to students.
