Pupil instruction: quiet reflection.

Existing law declares the intent of the Legislature to set broad minimum standards and guidelines for educational programs, and to encourage local districts to develop programs that will best fit the needs and interests of the pupils, pursuant to stated philosophy, goals, and objectives. Existing law requires, in each public school, that daily appropriate patriotic exercises be conducted, as specified. This bill would authorize an employee at a public school to conduct a brief period of quiet reflection, with the participation of pupils in attendance. The bill would prohibit an individual from requiring a pupil to participate in a period of quiet reflection. The bill would prohibit the governing board of a school district, a county board of education, or the governing body of a charter school from requiring a certificated or classified employee at a public school to conduct a brief period of quiet reflection. The bill would make legislative findings and declarations relating to these provisions.