Texas board prepares vote on curriculum changes that expand Bible instruction

Proposed revisions would increase focus on biblical content and Western history while reducing some global and social studies topics.

A major debate over what Texas students should learn in public school classrooms is returning to the spotlight as the State Board of Education prepares to vote on sweeping curriculum changes later this week.

The proposed revisions would increase the emphasis on the Christian Bible, along with Texas, U.S. and European history, while reducing attention to other religions and some global perspectives.

The changes are part of a review of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS, the state's curriculum standards that outline what students are expected to learn in the classroom.

The 15-member State Board of Education, which is elected by Texas voters, includes 10 Republicans and five Democrats.

Among the proposed changes, the board would eliminate the sixth-grade World Cultures course. The proposal would also remove content related to how race and ethnicity have negatively affected people in society and how minority groups have been marginalized.

The revisions would introduce a dozen additional Bible stories and passages into early grade levels through picture books, including stories such as Noah's Ark and David and Goliath.

Supporters and opponents shared their views during public testimony on Monday.

Some speakers argued that understanding biblical teachings is necessary to fully understand American and Texas history.

Others said the proposal places too much emphasis on Christianity and could blur the line between teaching about religion and teaching religion.

"This list is full of Christian texts that are inappropriate for public school classrooms," Joshua Bixler told board members. "As a rabbi and a parent of Jewish kids, I think it is vital that this board make a distinction between teaching about religion and teaching religion. This list will force teachers to cross that line."

Ashley Cash of Lubbock voiced support for the proposal.

"Context matters. We have to recognize our Judeo-Christian heritage and its influence on both Texas and American institutions," Cash said. "Helping students understand moral, cultural, and civic traditions, our laws, our institutions, and our way of life."

A final vote is expected later this week.

If approved, the revised curriculum standards would be implemented in Texas classrooms by the 2030 school year.