Key aspects of the issue of religion in public schools are reviewed and several innovative programs in specific schools are described. In 1962 two U.S. Supreme Court cases (Abington School District vs. Schempp and Engle vs. Vitale) prohibited the practice of Bible reading in public schools. It was believed that activities such as Bible reading violated individuals' rights of religious belief and expression as protected in the First Amendment. Since 1962 various legal and professional statements have indicated that the study of religions, but not the practice of religions, ought to be an integral part of public school curriculum. Interest in teaching about religions at all levels of public education has grown during the period 1962-79. This interest is illustrated by development of new units and courses by teachers, certification of teachers for religious studies in some states, integration of religous studies into courses such as social studies and history, and existence of curriculum projects about religions in universities and private centers. Emerging curriculum trends emphasize comparative study of religions and examination of the Bible as literature. Concluding sections of this pamphlet describe nine courses about religion in high schools in Connecticut, California, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and New York. Also outlined are the activities of six university- or privately-sponsored centers which are developing instructional programs and materials for the study of religions. (AV)