'Follow The Law And Teach The Standards:' OKCPS Releases Guidelines On Bible Directive

Oklahoma City Public Schools is responding to the Bible directive from the Oklahoma State Department of Education, and giving guidelines to teachers and families ahead of the upcoming school year.

Dr. Jamie Polk acknowledged that she has been publicly quiet on the issue over the last few weeks, saying that was her intention. Dr. Jamie Polk, OKCPS superintendent, says she wanted to give the curriculum team time to look over everything and allow teachers to enjoy their final days of summer before rolling out this new guidance. 

“Follow the law and teach the standards. We will not deviate from that,” said Polk. “We will wait on guidance from the state department to see my next steps. I'm sure they'll let us know but we do not have the resources to place a bible in every class,”

Dr. Polk says logistically and fiscally, the district does not have the means to put Bibles in every classroom. The district has more than 1,700 classrooms.

“I am unable to purchase Bibles for every classroom,” said Polk.

In a message to parents and teachers, Dr. Polk laid out clear guidelines and expectations:

1. Teachers have been asked to continue with their current plans using the rich district resources that have been provided.
2. Any reference to the Bible in our instruction will focus solely on its historical and literary aspects. There are only specific instances where this is appropriate according to the Oklahoma Academic Standards. 
3. The Bible will not be used for preaching or indoctrination. We will maintain absolute neutrality and objectivity in our instruction.

“This is not a time for them to preach, indoctrinate, or give their own personal opinion regarding scripture,” said Polk.

The superintendent says teachers can bring any questions or tentative lesson plans to both the legal and curriculum teams.

“As a teacher creates their lesson plans, and they see that this is an opportunity to use the bible, then they can contact our curriculum department to get any guidance,” said Dr. Polk. “We just ask for a two week window for us to do the legwork.”

Ultimately, teachers at OKCPS are expected to continue teaching as they have in the past.

“Nothing is going to change for Oklahoma City Public Schools. We are going to follow the law and teach the standards,” said Polk.

Oklahoma City Public Schools will begin classes next Tuesday, August 13th.