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1: New Zealand sign actually uses Maori terminology and meaning in their signs. New Zealand is rich in culture and tries to incorporate the two. Also just like any language, signs all over New Zealand might look different because of accents, dialects, and the place.

2: NZSL was introduced in 1995 and has been used since but didn’t become an official language until 2006 under the NZSL Act

3: Its part of a family called BANZSL which includes- British , Australian and New Zealand sign.

This article by Richard D. Sorenson outlines some key points about religion in schools. It is a little broad in topic, but brings up some good points. He answers many questions, and these are the ones I find are most pertinent to my research.

Can the Bible be taught in schools?

This is a complicated answer. There are guidelines and stipulations for schools to follow. The U.S. Supreme Court would say that the Bible can be read as literature in an appropriate class, and both history of religion and comparative religion are allowed to be taught. If we are teaching the Bible, we have to also teach other religions as to have a curriculum that does not favor or degrade any of them.

Can students read the Bible on their own in any class?

The answer to this is a simple ‘yes’. Students are allowed to carry their Bible if they so please, and they can read it just as if it were any other book. As long as it is not disruptive to their learning, it is perfectly legal for students to read their Bible or any other religious manuscripts during school hours.

Can students pray at school?

“Most states have education codes stipulating that students have an absolute right to pray in school” (34).

My thoughts and how this influences further research

This article was a good start to my research. A lot of these questions are ones I had as a high school student, and although it’s a bit late now, I’m glad to have gotten answers.

As for how this impacts my research, I think it serves as a great jumping off point. I still have many questions, of course. This was only one article. It lays out a base for my research with some of the laws, and answering some important questions- such as whether or not students are allowed to have or read their religious manuscripts during school hours. I will definitely be coming back to this article.

It raises a question for me: