Schools that enable students to read history

Abraham Lincoln once said, “That every man may receive at least, a moderate education, and thereby be enabled to read the histories of his own and other countries, by which he may duly appreciate the value of our free institutions, appears to be an object of vital importance, even on this account alone, to say nothing of the advantages and satisfaction to be derived from all being able to read the scriptures and other works, both of a religious and moral nature, for themselves.”

Note that Lincoln’s statement describes schools that enable students to read history, the Bible, and other books of morality and wisdom. Does a public school have an obligation to not only teach students how to read but also what to read?

In a secular and pluralistic society, is it realistic to expect public schools to provide “religious and moral” education? Should they limit their instruction to “readin’, writin’, and cipherin’,” also quoting Lincoln?

Many parents today have turned to homeschool or private/Christian schools as an alternative to public education. What are their primary motivations for doing so?

History is a meticulous, comprehensive, and scientific inquiry and reconstruction of past events. Are homeschool and Christian school curricula providing a full account of American history? If not, why not?

How has the pandemic changed public education, positively or negatively?

Defend your conclusions with scholarly sources.