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Project

Islam instruction in state-funded schools: what is at stake?

In situations where schools do not cater for the teaching of religious beliefs, this can lead to segregation of particular groups. At present there is not much information available on this topic (certainly not in a coherent way) and, on the other hand, research on the impact that the type of religious education in schools can have on segregation is needed because time and circumstances have changed, and policymakers did not yet cope with new challenges and unexpected developments, and regulate them accordingly. Comparative research on this topic does not yet exist but is felt a necessity by educational policy makers. The topic could be identified as areas in which specific comparative research in needed and innovative expert activity on these topics could be planned. Apart from research on the legal framework, practical arrangements made by denominational (Christian) schools in areas where there are significant numbers of Muslim children to give them the opportunity to receive Islamic instruction, should be studied as well. The activities consist of research, comparative analysis, synthesis report, and recommendations, on finding the balance between the rightful interests of the state in well-educated citizens who share a commitment to democratic values and the rights of parents to nuture the education of their children in their own religious conviction, thereby respecting the national statutory frameworks.
Date:1 Dec 2010 →  30 Nov 2011
Keywords:ISLAM, SCHOOL POLICY
Disciplines:Education curriculum, Education systems, General pedagogical and educational sciences, Specialist studies in education, Other pedagogical and educational sciences, Applied sociology, Policy and administration, Social psychology, Social stratification, Social theory and sociological methods, Sociology of life course, family and health, Other sociology and anthropology