Texas lawmakers propose incorporating the Bible into public school reading lists, drawing support from those who say it is essential to understanding American history and criticism from opponents who raise constitutional concerns.
The Texas State Board of Education met this month to discuss potential changes to how social studies is taught under the state’s Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for K-12 social studies curriculum.
The Texas Education Agency has also published a recommended reading list of literary works developed with input from more than 5,000 Texas English teachers, according to a previous report by The Center Square.
Teachers and historians have raised concerns about elements of the proposed standards.
The proposal includes references to biblical texts and stories – such as Jonah and the whale, the Book of Psalms, and David and Goliath – as part of broader efforts to reshape instructional materials.
