Q.   Who can start a Released Time Program?

A.    Anyone may initiate a released-time program. Released Time efforts have been launched by parents, clergy, local churches, community leaders, grandparents and inter-denominational organizations.

Q.   May school personnel be involved in our program?

A.    School personnel may not be involved in the program during their workday, even during a planning period. Since one's time after work is one's own, school personnel have many times served in organizational capacities.

Q. What are some guidelines for choosing the schools?

A.    You should choose first those schools that in your estimation have the STBE chance of becoming a model program.

Q. We have several schools in our district. Do we need to provide classes for all of them when our program is approved?

A.    No. You may choose which schools will be offered the class.

Q. Must the school release the children?

A.    In most cases, no, because of the wording of statutes. In New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Vermont, Oregon, and Hawaii, the school should allow the class if you request it. In other states, you must take steps in preparing an effective presentation that the school board will approve, and they clearly have the prerogative to deny the Released Time program for any of a variety of reasons. Released Time is a privilege, not a right.

Q. How much supervision may the public schools exercise over the content and teaching of a Released Time Bible Education course?

A.    Very little. Supervision of the content and teaching of Released Time course is generally not allowed, since it might excessively entangle the state in religious matters.

Q. What are the benefits?

A.    The Program reinforces the school's existing efforts to help children grow to cherish and care for themselves and others. Curriculum teaches values such as honesty, compassion, integrity and loyalty. Human worth and dignity is also be taught, as-well-as basic social skills needed to function productively in our society.