Campaign For Catechisms & Wisdom Principle Freedoms In Schools.

 Motivation/ Incentive:   for Student-Parent Catechism Teams to exercise the parents' rights to direct the education of their children.  

 2. Q&A.  List some potential incentives:  $$ as in grants awards, philanthropy awards, extra credits for linguistic classes, working off serious demerits, fines or suspensions?

1.     The (In my) state education funding does not have a budget for this.  I don't think any state has this particular budget item.  That would be the legislature's job to appropriate the budget item, funds and facilities.  BTW it would be one of the state's compelling interests to promote this for the purpose of law and order and morality by reducing the number of rebellious kids, teens and future criminals.  This would necessarily be in keeping with our national motto and Florida's state motto: "In God We Trust".  Every state has organizational documents that acknowledge the one true God.  It was a requirement for statehood - see The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 (Par. 13, Art. 1 & 3.) .  It would have to find money and cut out, or reduce something else to make these awards. Possibly, a reduction of tuition or school fees could be awarded, and then it would fall on the individual schools to raise this money and make these awards. I think the catholic schools already have their doctrines in place and the students have to learn them already.   This incentive would only apply to public schools which might include some charter schools. They would not be agreeable to reducing tuition, but, they would certainly use state money if available. (Again, I speak of (my state), and most definitely, (my city).) 
2. Other thoughts:  Student-Parent Catechism Team, Portable Vouchers, churches, private schools, colleges, non profits, extra credits or philanthropy awards.  An effort to encourage civil service or perhaps this particular behavior modification as a substitute for suspension, in order to correct dysfunctional thinking in children and perhaps families.

 
Catechism: Minimum Standards of Wisdom Principles.   3. Q&A.  Since the Children's Catechism's are somewhat similar each parent could choose the one they liked or the one their church approved as long as it met some minimum standards like: sufficient questions say 100 or above.  I don't think the state should regulate it other than the quantity of questions required to "pass";  and, where the historicity is established e.g. not published yesterday by someone trying to profit from sales or filled with strange or evil principles.  Here are some miscellaneous links and searches that demonstrate the proliferation of previously published "standard" catechisms.   Whereas Items 5-10 represent searches where there might be hundreds of "standard catechisms" to choose from.  See also 3. Q&A Note 3 below for an old list of the total number of variations of the catechism.

 1.)  The Westminster Shorter Catechism - The Westminster Presbyterian (107 Q&A)  This one is well defined.  It has been around since 1647 and is very similar if not the same as was used in The New England Primer series of publications used in the colonies from 1690 to 1890.
 2.)  Catechism for the Use of the Methodist Missions 
 3.)  Calvin’s Catechism – by Dr. John Calvin | in 4 parts (373 Q&A) 
 4.)  Evangelical Catechism - United Church of Christ (128 Q&A)       These searches were added to be as inclusive as possible.
 5.)  Catholic Children's Catechism search 
 6.)  Baptist Children's Catechism search 
 7.)  Anglican Children Catechism search 
 8.)  Lutheran Children Catechism search 
 9.)  Mormon Children Catechism search 
10.)  Catechism For Jewish Children, search 

Notes:  1.)  Some of the Catechisms include the Biblical references for each answer which could also be memorized and tested; but the added difficulty should get extra credit and should be at the parents' desecration. 
            2.)  All others, say atheists, agnostics or secularists who object to the voluntary Student-Parent Catechism Teams would NOT have to participate.             3.)  This citation below demonstrates the catechism's past, universal popularity with the following "printing index" list of one of the most popular American school textbooks i.e. The New England Primer with catechisms for the "primary" grades. 

1. "The New - England Primer Issued Prior To 1830" : Charles F.Heartman : Publication date 1934 (An index list.) (Internet Archive)   Preface (pg. vii or 13): ... Paul Leicester Ford’s bibliography now, of course, hopelessly out of date, covered a period prior to 1800. He gave thirty-five issues, locating about the same number of copies. For the same dates the first edition of this book listed not quite one hundred and fifty issues, locating about one hundred and forty-five. The second edition mentioned one hundred and seventy-seven variations, locating actually more than two hundred and ten copies. This third edition lists two hundred and thirteen variations before 1800 and locates two hundred and sixty-six copies. To these figures must be added two hundred and forty-four issues listed between 1800 and 1830, a period not covered by Ford; with six hundred and forty-nine copies located this makes a grand total of four hundred and fifty-seven variations of which nine hundred and fifteen copies have been located.  ... (pg. vii or 13.) New England Primers, Almanacs, Indian Captivities and such subjects are slightly different. They went to the very heart of the people and in many cases were as necessary in the house as a chair or a skillet. (Bold emphasis by ed.)
2. Please note the exceptional level of diversity i.e. 'four hundred and fifty-seven variations'
3. Although this "printers index" book lists "Primers" most of the "Primers" had a Catechism in it.  As we can see in the "searches" above a large list of catechisms should be available.

           4.)  Here are two giants of Wisdom and Reason.  Dr. Benjamin Rush, a USA founding father, offers 3 pages of reasons that show that he definitely supported and encouraged using the Bible in the classroom.  Dr. Dennis Prager is a famous radio talk show host, lecturer, author and inventor of PragerU YouTube channel.  He has not approved or disapproved the use of his articles in support for this campaign; however after listening to his radio talk show, debates and reading some of his articles, I think his heart would be inclined toward support.

1. A DEFENSE OF THE USE OF THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS. (4 pg. pdf) by Benjamin Rush "This personal letter, written in the late 1700’s was circulated for many years perhaps as a guide to the 'means of education' for the new territories' schools"
2. Dr. Dennis Prager a contemporary radio talk show host has written 21 articles, to date, on America's 'Judeo-Christian' values and why they are important.  Our chart of his 21 is here: Dr. Dennis Prager's list of 'Judeo-Christian' values.  The links came from the Dennis Prager Archives which is his decades long list of nationally published articles in chronological order.  Our study chart of Dr. Prager's articles about America's 'Judeo-Christian' values begins with a definition in "What Does "Judeo-Christian" Mean?" and follows with 20 articles i.e. 'Parts' that identify unique attributes of America's 'Judeo-Christian' values.  These articles explain the deficit of values in public education.  Hisways believes that the state has a compelling interest to allow voluntary Student-Parent Catechism Teams and restore Bible study in public schools!  See what this would look like in our Campaign 4 Catechisms & Wisdom Principle Freedoms in Public Schools .  Note the sources for massive diversity and inclusivity herein.

     Maybe there could be a High School and/or Jr. High School club that would help. We had "Fellowship of Christian Athletes" when Jimmy* was that age. They met before school at the flagpole and held prayer sessions. They also met after school some days too. I can't remember all their activities. Some years they went caroling at night in December. And I'm sure they did fundraising. Possibly, a group like this could work with the kindergarten and 1st graders to get them involved in learning or steering towards the Catechism. The older kids could get community service points.  The younger kids' parents could accompany these get-together, sort of like how girl scouts do their scout out-reach evenings. Having different stations that involve play acting, puzzle building, hands-on manipulative connections, story-time, etc. We also would visit the public library during these sessions because it was right next to the catholic school auditorium that we used for this event. 
     I wonder if babysitters could be trained to work with the young children. Maybe the community church could have a class to teach the "babysitters" how to work with the younger children. 
     I also like the idea of parents teaching their own children. Maybe a community church could offer a classroom if there was a group that was willing to be dedicated. What do you mean by saying the parent would present the student on test day.  The Student-Parent Catechism Team would show up and be present on an appointed day together for an oral review or test . * name changed for minor.

 Parents' Involvement.   4. Q&A.  I also like the idea of parents teaching their own children.  Maybe a community church could offer a classroom if there was a group that was willing to be dedicated.  What do you mean by saying the parent would present the student on test day.

1. One option might be that after the parent did a little work in that he/she would have to choose their own catechism (say 107-140 Q&As) read through it and approve 70% (say 75-98 Q&As) for the child to memorize and teach the child to orally answer the questions.  When the child has them memorized the parent would make an appointment with a school counselor or teacher and have the child demonstrate proficiency by answering the questions. The school employee would determine pass fail.  It would be expedient if the parent/ child knew more than 70% so that if some questions were missed that there would be additional Q&A's to make the 70% minimum.
2. An additional incentive could be equivalent letter grade(s) for accomplishing parts of the task.  Let's say some fraction of a grade or fraction of credit(s) toward school certification, or HS graduation for the first 25% Q&As in the 1st grade.  Another fraction of a grade or fraction of credit(s) for the first 50% Q&As in the 2nd grade and another fraction of a credit for the 70% or total Q&As. 
3. The same credit policy might be awarded for the child's proficiency at spelling, reading, printing and writing the catechism perhaps at higher grade levels or based on grade level.

     As far as a state law; well, good luck with that since it seems to be going in the completely opposite direction. The state wants to make our country the non-religious entity, not to offend anyone who doesn't believe the same. If this cash or credit was given for the Catechism, then the state would also have to come up with the same equivalent for all denominations, and no denomination. Work more with local school boards that would be willing.

    (updated. 6/3/19 see Note 2 above.)  I don't think the state should be required to approve or provide anything for equivalency.  If a non catechized parent doesn't have a philosophy of moral, ethical or traditional values to impart to their child I don't think the state should invent something since they already have the Supreme Court's Secular Religion operating on a PK-12 scale.  Every year they come up with a new idea, slogan or inspirational jingle to help the children focus on something positive.  In the case of the catechism the state is only facilitating and testing the parents' morals, ethics and values that they want and they approve for their children.

Sample Catechism Lesson Plans   5. Q&A.  ref:   Westminster Shorter Presbyterian Catechism
    So passing the test might be.  Say 90 of the 107 which equals 84% or 80 of 107 equals 75%.  

1. Charts: 7 days/week (at 1 Q&A per day = 107 days /7 = 15.3 weeks) for 90 days or 13 weeks would equal 90 Q&As. 
2. Charts: 6 days/week (at 1 Q&A per day = 107 days /6 per wk = 17.8 weeks),
3. Charts: 5 days/week (at 1 Q&A per day = 107 days /5 per wk = 21.4 weeks),
4. A sample learning objective video 12.27 minutes    

6. Q&A.  The Blaine Amendment obstacle has been resolved by the Supreme Court in 2020.

Florida has a Blaine Amendment law but has the unconstitutional part been struck down?  See link in #1 below or see notes from 2006-Blaine-Amendment

1. * Florida. Const. Art. 1, Section 3 said:  [] FL State Constitution - Online: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Constitution#A1S03 []  "There shall be no law respecting the establishment of religion or prohibiting or penalizing the free exercise thereof.  Religious freedom shall not justify practices inconsistent with public morals, peace or safety.  No revenue of the state or any political subdivision or agency thereof shall ever be taken from the public treasury directly or indirectly in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or in aid of any sectarian institution."  
2. FL legislature update:  FL Blaine Amendment Update 2016.  This law is still listed in the statutes (see link in #1.) - don't know why.  This was a FL ballot item that was voted down; however the Supreme Court has prevailed in 2020 to negate the religious discrimination of the Blaine Amendments. So why is it still in the FL statutes?