FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is this legal?
Yes! Released Time Character Building (RTCB) is legal as long as the three stipulations stated in the 1952 U.S. Supreme Court decision are followed. RTCB must be off school property, privately funded, and must have parental permission to have the student a part of the program. Also the State of Tennessee Law § 49-2-130 gives parents the right to have their child in RTCB whether or not their local school district has a policy concerning RTBE. To see more information including the actual forms go here.
Is it legal to be teaching from the Bible during the school day?
Yes! As a program we can teach the Bible during the school day as long as the three stipulations as stated in the U.S. Supreme Court decision are followed. An individual student can be an example and teach the Bible to fellow students while on the school campus.
Is it legal for a student to have a Bible in school?
Yes! Any student can have with them any religious book while on public school property.
How could the law have been around for so long and we didn’t know about it?
Good question. States like California and Pennsylvania have RTCB in their states for over 80 and 40 years respectively. Twenty-six states have laws regarding Bible Released Time Education, federally mandated by the Supreme Court. One of RTCB purposes is to educate fellow citizens and local governments about the benefits of RTCB.
Can other religions do this at schools, too?
Yes! All parents have the right to have their child attend a similar program, if available.
Are state monies used for this program?
No. One of the stipulations from the 1952 U. S. Supreme Court decision is that no state or federal monies can be used.
What does RTCB believe?
RTCB maintains that the Bible, as the divine Word of God, is the ultimate authority for Christians. We believe the narrative of Scripture that climaxes in the gospel message that Jesus Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead. We believe this gospel is true and the essential way by which sinners are reconciled to God.
What is our motive?
RTCB is giving students character education with the Bible as the textbook. There are no political or religious alliances. Our motive is to make a positive difference in student lives.
How do I register my student or donate to RTCB?
From the main RTCB page, there are links to sign-up page and also a giving page. A direct link to the registration page is here. Step one is to complete the online form to give RTCB the information and your approval for your child to be a part of the class. Step two is to download, print, and sign the RTCB Parental Permission Form. Have your child turn in the signed form to their teacher or you can drop off the form at the front office of the school. If unable to complete the online process, please stop by your school’s front office to complete both forms available at the office. The school must have the signed RTCB Parental Form to release your child to be transported off the school campus.
What is the process on screening volunteers?
All volunteers will be required to submit to background checks, an interview process, character references, and have similar Christian beliefs.
What child safety training will volunteers receive?
Volunteers will receive First Aid Training and Child Safety Training. Also all volunteers must read and sign the RTCB Volunteer/Student Protection Policies Document.
How is RTCB funded?
RTCB local school program is funded by private donations through single individuals, businesses, and AIM Church. This is a free program with no cost to schools or participating families.
If I donate, is it tax deductible?
Yes! RTCB is an outreach ministry of AIM Church which is recognized by the state of Tennessee as a non-profit organization.
What denomination does this program represent?
Even though RTCB is an outreach of AIM Church, the focus is on building biblical character in students without the instruction of religion doctrine.
What is the Bible version being used?
The New King James Version (NKJV) is the translation used in the program. As part of their completing the program at the end of the semester, each child will receive a Bible.
Is RTCB a political movement?
No. RTCB is not affiliated with or supports any particular political party. RTCB is for all families regardless of political persuasion.
Why not have the program before or after school?
With the program available during the school day, all students have the opportunity to be taught Biblical character and how to handle life’s stresses. This does not interfere with a students’ extracurricular activities or deny students who could not attend due to transportation to and from school. Also, the U.S. Supreme Court and the State of Tennessee says that the program can be held during the school day.
Will my child miss academic instruction?
No. We are working with schools to ensure they will not miss any direct, academic instruction. The students are transported off the school campus during one of their elective classes or during their lunch/recess times.
What are we using for curriculum?
RTCB uses Character First Education which is the world’s largest character-based leadership development program. They believe everyone who interacts with a child or teen has an opportunity to teach or encourage positive social values. Character First Education exists to help teachers and parents build future leaders with character. Their goal is to provide fun, engaging, positive, practical, and research-based lessons that will help students build the character and competence needed for success.
How much will this cost me?
Biblical character being taught to students during the school day is FREE to any student signed up to the program.
Will there be teacher training?
Yes! Teachers and assistants will be trained on the curriculum to have continuity of the lesson in each class
What grade levels will have access to this program?
Currently we will be teaching character development using the Bible beginning with second grade students. In the future we will plan to expand to all school grade levels.
May I come and observe the class prior to signing my child up for RTCB?
A variety of ways to learn about the program will be available. However, in order to maintain the integrity, environment, and confidentiality of each student in the program, visits will only be allowed to take place without students in attendance. Arrangements will need to be made with a board member to facilitate a visit.
My child has a disability. Will they be able to participate?
Our program strives to meet the needs of all students in the community we serve. Every effort will be made to include students with modifications and accommodations were appropriate and possible. Our preference would be to have a preliminary meeting prior to a child with special needs attending his/her first RTCB class. It would be our hope and desire to be able to meet each child’s needs, no matter their ability, religious backgrounds, or behavior.
Does RTCB have protocols for behavioral issues?
If at all possible, a moment will be taken to explain to the student what the behavioral expectations are and discuss with them how best to move forward. A “teachable moment” is considered of great value in a child’s learning. Each RTCB class should have two adult volunteers to aid teachers with behavioral issues as necessary. If the poor behavior persists, the student will be escorted back to the school by the bus driver and an RTCB volunteer. An agreed upon process by RTCB and the public school will be followed if a student has been returned to their school for a behavioral issue.
Can I pick up my child from the location of RTCB if I forget about an appointment?
No. Children will never be released from the RTCB program location directly to a parent. A parent wanting to pick up their child must call the school office with the request to contact RTCB to have their child return to the school. Only the student’s public school can release a student back to their parent.
Who assumes liability for students during RTCB?
RTCB assumes liability for students the moment they exit the school. RTCB carries liability insurance and enforces extensive safety and security protocols.
Are there security procedures at the RTCB classroom?
Yes! RTCB follows the same safety procedures as the local school district. Students will practice the same safety drills that are utilized in their school like fire, tornado, and lock down drills. Also the local school’s safety protocols for students while being transported to and from the classroom are followed. Attendance will be taken before departure at each building. Identification badges will be worn by all staff and students. A volunteer at each classroom location will be trained in First Aid and CPR. All volunteers will have Child Safety Training prior to working with students.
Will students walk or ride the bus to the program?
The RTCB meeting location is 2.1 miles from H.B. Williams Elementary School. A RTCB staff member will transport students by bus to and from school.
How will the drivers be selected?
Bus/van drivers follow the same hiring process as any other volunteer with the addition of being CDL licensed, if needed.