SBOE

The State Board Education is expected to give final approval Friday to controversial social studies and history curricula that all Texas high school students must learn. Lessons depict Islam as a violent religion and Christianity as an essential cornerstone of the nation.

The Republican-majority State Board of Education is scheduled to vote this week on adopting curriculum changes statewide. Critics say the new social studies lessons and reading lists over-emphasize Christianity.

Texas schools have long had too few teachers. The pandemic made the situation worse — but issues like low pay, poor benefits and polarizing statewide politics all have an impact, too.

Republican Pat Hardy of Fort Worth is fighting to keep her seat on the State Board of Education after 11 years representing parts of Tarrant, Parker and…