Texas is once again at the center of controversy as its state board of education gears up to decide whether to allow Bible stories to be included within public school lesson plans for English and Language Arts. This decision, anticipated on Monday, follows considerable public debate over the proposed curriculum, which critics argue promotes Christian teachings and blurs the line between church and state.
The curriculum, known as "Bluebonnet Learning," is presented as optional for school districts but is laced with incentives—up to $60 per student per year—for those who choose to adopt it. Approximately 2.3 million public school students could be impacted, as the curriculum covers grades K-5. Throughout the previous months, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has faced immense pressure from both supporters who argue for the benefits of biblical literacy and opponents who fear unconstitutional overreach.
Advocates, including officials from Texas Values, contend students have the right to encounter Bible stories academically. They argue these teachings bolster reading comprehension and provide necessary cultural references. Mary Castle, the director of government relations for Texas Values, stated, "This is not a religious curriculum where we’re studying world religions; it’s not history either. It’s English Language Arts." Many supporting parents believe introducing concepts from scripture can provide foundational moral lessons to children.
Despite these arguments, significant pushback has arisen. Critics, including groups like the Texas Freedom Network, express concern over the curriculum's heavy emphasis on Christianity, with claims of it being more suited for "Sunday School than nonsectarian public schools." They fear this could alienate parents and students of differing faiths. Emily Witt from the Texas Freedom Network urged, "Parents deserve to know whether their kids are being preached to at school."
An analysis of the proposed curriculum reveals lessons slated to be taught to kindergarteners about Jesus and his Sermon on the Mount, with older students expected to engage with passages from the Gospel of Matthew during lessons about Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. This approach has prompted unease among many parents who believe such teachings should remain the purview of home or church.
For its part, the TEA insists the curriculum was crafted based on cognitive science research to support improved student outcomes. They advocate for what they see as the necessity of biblical literacy as part of any thorough education. Education Commissioner Mike Morath has defended the curriculum as beneficial for closing reading gaps, particularly for underperforming students.
But many experts contend the curriculum’s inaccuracies and biases undermine its value. Critics, including Mark A. Chancey, professor of religious studies at Southern Methodist University, have pointed out multiple factual errors and have flagged lessons as age-inappropriate. For example, he noted the potential confusion created when teaching young students about the Genesis creation story as fact rather than as one of many religious interpretations.
Further complicATING matters, the proposed curriculum also attracted attention due to the involvement of certain conservative educational firms linked to highly public figures, including former governor Mike Huckabee. His media company, eSpired, co-developed material for the curriculum, including The Kids Guide to the Bible. Huckabee's involvement stirs skepticism for many, as critics have raised alarms over the political motivations underlying the curriculum's creation.
The state’s actions echo broader national discussions around the place of religion within public education systems. Similar debates are happening across the country as lawmakers push for educational content to embrace more explicitly religious viewpoints. While some proponents argue these teachings are pivotal for students to navigate cultural conversations, opponents warn of the threats posed to religious freedom and the integrity of educational environments.
To date, thousands have voiced their opposition. A petition against the curriculum amassed over 15,000 signatures, led by Faithful America, which seeks to represent diverse religious views within public education. Their sentiments encapsulate the general fear among critics: moving forward with the curriculum could pave the way for broader acceptance of religious doctrine within public classrooms.
A final decision is poised for Monday, with plans for public testimony expected to precede the vote. If the curriculum is approved, the TEA hopes to have it implemented school-wide by August 2025. Proponents of the curriculum see potential for Texas to set educational standards for Bible inclusion, which could influence other states within the same ideological spectrum.
Meanwhile, as educators nationwide continue to grapple with the appropriateness of religious influences on public education, Texas' impending decision remains emblematic of the larger battle over the control of curriculum and the direction of American public education.
Whether the state board chooses to accept or reject the curriculum promises to deeply shape not only the students of Texas but also the national dialogue on the intersection of faith and public education.
