State Board of Education

The State Board of Education on Friday approved a new reading list that includes numerous Bible passages, and a social studies curriculum that emphasizes U.S. and Texas history over world cultures. Approved changes start taking effect in 2030.

The Texas board of education is set to vote on a required reading list for more than 5 million public school students that includes stories and passages from the Bible. Texas has been at the forefront of conservative efforts to incorporate religion into schools.

Nearly 500 people signed up to testify in a hearing that at several points turned contentious as the State Board of Education will vote on incorporating more Christian stories into public classrooms.

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.

Biblical stories like Jonah and the whale would be required reading for Texas public schools students under proposals that are putting the state at the center of another contentious wrangling over the role of religion in classrooms.

Some advisers have criticized diversity efforts, questioned the historical contributions of people of color, and promoted debunked beliefs.

Dubbed a “parent rights” bills, Senate Bill 12 bans DEI programs in K-12 schools — and prohibits clubs LGBTQ+ students say are vital resources.

The state agency said reading language arts scores surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

The ACLU and a coalition of other groups sent a letter to superintendents and school boards last week telling them not to adopt the state's new Bluebonnet Learning curriculum, which critics say emphasizes Christianity over other religions.

The board has heard emotional testimony from parents, teachers and advocates for and against the lesson plans earlier this week. If approved, Texas would become the first state to sign off on a curriculum of this kind.

Critics say the curriculum overemphasizes Christianity. The board is expected to officially vote on whether to approve the materials later this week.