Texas Education Board Approves Bible-Infused Curriculum

AUSTIN, TX – The Texas State Board of Education voted to allow Bible-integrated lessons in public elementary schools, making the state one of the first to adopt such measures.

The optional curriculum, created by Bluebonnet Learning, incorporates Bible stories into reading and language arts materials for kindergarten through fifth grade.

Schools choosing to adopt the curriculum will receive additional funding, and the materials could be implemented as early as next school year. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who has publicly supported the initiative, emphasized its alignment with state legislation passed in 2023 requiring such instruction.

Critics argue the curriculum alienates students of diverse faiths and may violate the First Amendment. Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, said the lessons are not age-appropriate and could confuse students about the distinction between religious claims and factual knowledge.

Supporters, including right-leaning advocacy groups, argue the Bible is central to American history and literature. Mary Castle of Texas Values noted the educational value in teaching children about the biblical origins of common phrases and stories.

The 15-member board, composed of 11 Republicans and four Democrats, narrowly approved the measure in an 8-7 vote.