The board voted 8-7 Friday to allow Bible-infused teachings in public elementary school lessons.
"We're really excited about the future of this curriculum, which will bring back classical education that incorporates biblical texts and religious documents into Texas public school curriculum," comments Megan Benton of Texas Values.
The Bluebonnet Learning English Language Arts materials are optional for schools to adopt, and those that do will receive additional funding. The materials could appear in classrooms as early as next school year.
"It has received a lot of national attention," Benton says. "I think there has been a lot of misinformation about what's in this curriculum, but the reality is that these curriculums teach biblical texts and religious documents in a historical and objective context."
In addition to Texas Values, First Liberty Institute, Concerned Women for America of Texas, Texas Eagle Forum, and Moms for Liberty support the materials. Parents and teachers who oppose it reportedly said the lessons will alienate students of other faith backgrounds, but supporters argued the Bible is a core feature of American history and that teaching it will enrich students' learning.
The new curriculum follows Republican-led efforts in neighboring states to give religion more of a presence in public schools. In Oklahoma's education chief has ordered a copy of the Bible in every classroom, and Louisiana wants all of the state's public school classrooms to post the Ten Commandments beginning next year.
