Benefits of
Released Time
Bible Education
(RTBE)

Bible-Based Moral Training

Surveys show that 65-75% of the children attending RTBE classes do not have a church home or any knowledge of the Bible. This program reaches them and also, in many cases, their families with the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The classes also enrich the lives of children who attend church, supporting the moral standards for these children as they cope with the many challenges and problems in our society.

We believe RTBE is the best way to restore hope to public school children.

Released Time Bible Education brings a lost ingredient to public schools.

Benefits for Churches:

  • RTBE helps churches reach children who cannot attend church. RT goes where the children are: the public schools.

  • Churches that partner with the local RT program will reach hundreds of children who cannot attend church. Many children don’t know that churches have classes for all ages—for free!

  • Some public school students don’t know about Vacation Bible School, Awana Programs, or Wacky Wednesdays — just for kids! RTBE introduces those programs to those students and helps connect them to a church nearby.

  • RBTE builds relationships with God, parents, family members, peers, and authority figures. RT also encourages children to get involved in a local church to continue their religious education.

Benefits for Parents:

  • Parents who want their children’s education to include a moral component will know that their school board listens and acts upon their wishes.

  • When programming is provided during the instructional school day, parents are not inconvenienced or required to adjust their schedules — children are simply released from a portion of their regular instructional school day once a week to attend RTBE.

  • Parents who want their children’s education to include a moral component will know that their school board listens and acts upon their wishes.

Benefits for Schools:

  • Bible classes teach right from wrong, love, limits, respect for authority, and personal responsibility.

  • Students find hope, security, confidence, and purpose in a small group setting.

  • School leaders see a decrease in attrition as a result of RT attendance.

  • Improved test scores of students, even of at-risk students. SM curriculum outcomes mirror California’s State Standards.

Measurable Outcomes

During a study conducted by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency concluded:

Overall, the scores of Oakland RT students improve after one year (between the academic years 2001-2002 and 2002-2003) in three categories of literacy skills: comprehension, spelling, and vocabulary.

Oakland RT provides youth with strong adult mentorship and bonding with other youth.

See “GOOD KIDS MAKE GREAT STUDENTS. (National Council on Crime and Delinquency• 1970 Broadway, Ste. 500 Oakland, CA 94612)”