Does Religion Affect Education?

As education scholars, we often talk about how race, gender and SES affects students. Should religion be part of this list? Some people believe that, given the separation of Church and State, conversations about religion aren't relevant for education scholars. Yet many American students are socialized in religious communities and in religious families. Presumably, what students learn from religious teachings, religious leaders, and peers in their religious communities affects how they experience the world. Do students' religious backgrounds also affect their educational aspirations?  Their educational outcomes? And how does religion interact with race, gender and class to affect educational experiences? As I design my dissertation to examine these questions, I want input from people at the GSE (students or faculty). What are your personal experiences and thoughts about how religion might affect education? Please join me over lunch to have an informal conversation.