What is Released Time?
A Released Time program is one in which—with parental approval—public schools release students for a part of the school day to attend off-site religious instruction offered by a private sponsoring group. It recognizes and reinforces the constitutionally protected right of parents to direct the religious education of their children.
What is Released Time?
A Released Time program is one in which—with parental approval—public schools release students for a part of the school day to attend off-site religious instruction offered by a private sponsoring group. It recognizes and reinforces the constitutionally protected right of parents to direct the religious education of their children.
Legal Requirements
Federal court decisions have provided three main conditions that public schools must follow regarding what schools are allowed to do when accommodating and working with Released Time programs, and also what schools cannot do:
- Student attendance must be voluntary, with written parental permission,
- Instruction must take place off school grounds, and
- No state resources (taxpayer funds) may be expended.
Legal Requirements
Federal court decisions have provided three main conditions that public schools must follow regarding what schools are allowed to do when accommodating and working with Released Time programs, and also what schools cannot do:
- Student attendance must be voluntary, with written parental permission,
- Instruction must take place off school grounds, and
- No state resources (taxpayer funds) may be expended.
