In world history lessons, as Pinellas County social studies specialist Matthew Blum knows well, religion is key. The trick can be not letting it get out of hand. Parents might challenge what’s being taught, as they’ve done in Brevard and Collier counties. And students might assert one world view over another. But strong teachers “have a great understanding of religious freedom and religious expression,” Blum said, and know how to handle such situations. They allow room for discussion and include information from any variety of sources, but they insist that students meet the course standards and expectations when doing so.
