Bible lessons in public school? Texas advances elementary school plan
By Karah Rucker (Anchor/Reporter), Ian Kennedy (Lead Video Editor)
The Texas State Board of Education has advanced a plan to incorporate Bible-based lessons into elementary school classrooms, marking one of the latest efforts by Republican-led states to introduce religious content into public education. The proposal, which would be optional for schools, includes financial incentives for those who adopt it, offering $60 per student in additional state funding.
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Texas proposal would give schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on The IndependentTexas proposal would give schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on Associated Press NewsTexas officials set to vote today on adding Bible lessons for K-5 classes as some states push Christianity in public schools
Click to see story on CNNTexas officials support Bible-based lessons in elementary schools
Click to see story on The Washington PostProposal to allow Bible teachings in Texas public grade schools draws intense fire, praise
Click to see story on CBS NewsTexas Education Board to vote on controversial new curriculum that includes Bible teachings
Click to see story on abc 13 HoustonTexas proposal would give schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on San Antonio Express-NewsTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elementary school lessons
Click to see story on Orlando SentinelTexas SBOE clears path to approving lesson plans with Bible teachings
Click to see story on San Antonio Express-NewsTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elementary school lessons
Click to see story on Bowen Island UndercurrentTexas signals support for Bible-infused curriculum
Click to see story on The Texas TribuneSAISD approves tougher terms on land sale for Missions deal
Click to see story on San Antonio ReportTexas proposal would give schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on Religion News ServiceTexas proposal would give schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on Thompson CitizenTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elementary school lessons
Click to see story on KIFITexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elementary school lessons
Click to see story on KVIATexas education officials vote to back optional Bible lessons for K-5 classes: Reports
Click to see story on The HillTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elemetary school lessons
Click to see story on Washington Top NewsTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elementary school lessons
Click to see story on WPLGTexas education leaders set to vote on adding Bible study for K-5 classes
Click to see story on Houston ChronicleTexas Education Board Backs Elementary School Curriculum With Biblical References
Click to see story on Wall Street JournalWill Texas students soon learn Christian stories in their public school lessons?
Click to see story on Dallas NewsTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elementary school lessons
Click to see story on WCBDState Board of Education voting on use of Bible stories in public school lessons
Click to see story on KXANTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elemetary school lessons
Click to see story on The ColumbianTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elementary school lessons
Click to see story on KEYTTexas State Board of Education signals support for Bible-infused curriculum
Click to see story on Houston Public MediaTexas Students May Soon Be Reading Bible Stories in English Classes
Click to see story on edweek.orgTexas proposal would give public schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on Washington TimesTexas debates proposal to allow Bible teachings as option for public school lessons
Click to see story on National PostTexas proposal would give schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on Winnipeg SunTexas Education Board Backs Curriculum With Lessons Drawn From Bible
Click to see story on DNyuzRight
Untracked Bias
Texas proposal would give schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on My Mother LodeTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elementary school lessons
Click to see story on Temple Daily TelegramProposal would allow Bible teachings in Texas public grade schools
Click to see story on News Talk 94.1/AM 1600Proposal to allow Bible teachings in Texas public grade schools draws intense fire, praise
Click to see story on PressNewsAgencyTexas proposal would give public schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons – Conservative Angle
Click to see story on Conservative AngleThey try to allow Bible teaching in Texas school classrooms
Click to see story on World Today NewsProposal in Texas would allow use of Bible teachings in school classes Agencies The Voice of the Interior
Click to see story on La VozTitle of the Page
Click to see story on KTBB News, Weather, TalkTexas Proposal Would Give Schools the Option to Use Bible Teachings in Lessons
Click to see story on digitalmarketreports.comProposal in Texas would allow Bible teachings to be used in school classes
Click to see story on Voice of America – SpanishTexas proposal would give schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on thealbertan.comProposal in Texas would allow Bible teachings to be used in school classes
Click to see story on Independent EspañolTEXAS EDUCATION BOARD BACKS BIBLE-INFUSED LESSONS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Click to see story on cedarnews.netTexas proposal would give schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons – Regional Media News
Click to see story on regionalmedianews.comTexas officials vote on adding the Bible to language arts curriculum
Click to see story on elrisala.comTexas proposal would give public schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on The New York LedgerTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elementary school lessons
Click to see story on lonestarlive.comTexas Board Advances Plan To Allow Bible Material In Elementary School Lessons – 710am KURV
Click to see story on kurv.comTexas Weighs Bible-Based Curriculum for 2.3 Million Students
Click to see story on sanangelolive.comTexas Tests Waters With Elementary Bible Lessons – Reform Austin
Click to see story on Reform AustinSeek to Allow Bible Teachings in Texas School Classes
Click to see story on Telemundo San Antonio (60)Examples of Bible-based lessons include stories from the Book of Genesis and teachings such as the golden rule. The board is expected to hold a final vote on the proposal Friday, Nov. 22, after members voted 8-7 in favor of the curriculum during a preliminary vote.
The decision came after a series of testimonies from parents and educators, who shared their thoughts on including Bible lessons in public schools.
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Board members expressed a range of views, with some supporting the plan and others opposing it. One supporter said, “People want to know why this curriculum would work, everything is birthed through prayer and the power of God.”
Opponents voiced concerns as well. One opponent said during public comment, “I believe that the Christian Bible is important and even foundational, but that voice should not be made by the state for my family or any other.” Another said, “If we try too much to be taken over by any one religion, we risk damaging the experience of children who have differing beliefs.”
One board member, who observed the lessons in classrooms, defended the curriculum: “I went and watched it, I’ve sat in the classrooms, and I think it works.”
Supporters argue that Bible teachings offer a holistic educational foundation, while opponents worry that the focus on Christianity could marginalize students from diverse religious backgrounds.
The curriculum proposal stems from a law passed earlier this year, which mandates the Texas Education Agency to create a free textbook with religious content. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has expressed his support for the initiative.
This move is part of a broader trend among conservative lawmakers in Texas, who have also proposed displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms, with plans to revisit the issue next year.
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Texas is not alone in these efforts. In Oklahoma, state officials are seeking to include the Bible in public school lessons, though a lawsuit has been filed to block the plan. Meanwhile, in Louisiana, a federal judge recently struck down a law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public classrooms, ruling that it violated the separation of church and state.
The debate over religious teachings in public schools remains fierce, and while some states are moving forward with these measures, their future may ultimately be decided in the courts.
If the Texas board approves the Bible lessons on Friday, schools would have the option to adopt them for the upcoming school year in August 2025.
[Karah Rucker]
THE TEXAS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION HAS ADVANCED A PLAN TO INTEGRATE BIBLE-BASED LESSONS INTO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASSROOMS –
MARKING ONE OF THE LATEST EFFORTS BY REPUBLICAN-LED STATES TO INTRODUCE RELIGIOUS CONTENT INTO PUBLIC EDUCATION.
THE PROPOSAL IS PART OF AN OPTIONAL PLAN FOR SCHOOLS –
BUT FOR THE SCHOOLS WHO DO ADOPT IT –
THERE’S FINANCIAL INCENTIVE AS THEY’LL RECEIVE ADDITIONAL STATE FUNDING –
SIXTY DOLLARS PER STUDENT IF THEY ADOPT BIBLE LESSONS.
SOME EXAMPLE LESSONS FROM THE BIBLE WOULD BE STORIES FROM THE BOOK OF GENESIS – OR TEACHINGS ABOUT THE GOLDEN RULE.
WHILE A FINAL VOTE IS EXPECTED FRIDAY FROM THE BOARD –
IN A PRELIMINARY VOTE – THE MEMBERS VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE CURRICULUM EIGHT TO SEVEN.
THAT VOTE CAME AFTER PARENTS AND EDUCATORS OFFERED THEIR TESTIMONY TO THE BOARD – EXPRESSING THEIR THOUGHTS ON BIBLE LESSONS IN PUBLIC SCHOOL.
AND SOME BOARD MEMBERS EXPRESSED THEIR SUPPORT AND OPPOSITION.
“People want to know why would this curriculum work, everything is birthed through prayer and the power of God.”
“I believe that the christian bible is important and even foundational but that voice should not be made by the state for my family or any other.”
“I just think that if we try too much to be taken over by any one religion, we risk damaging the experience of children who have differing beliefs.”
“I went and watched it, i’ve sat in the classrooms, and i think it works.”
WHILE SUPPORTERS ARGUE THAT BIBLE TEACHINGS OFFER A HOLISTIC EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, OPPONENTS EXPRESS CONCERNS THAT THE EMPHASIS ON CHRISTIANITY COULD MARGINALIZE STUDENTS FROM DIVERSE RELIGIOUS BACKGROUNDS.
THE CURRICULUM PROPOSAL STEMS FROM A LAW PASSED EARLIER THIS YEAR, WHICH MANDATES THE TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY TO CREATE A FREE TEXTBOOK WITH RELIGIOUS CONTENT.
REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT HAS VOICED SUPPORT FOR THE INITIATIVE. THIS MOVE IS PART OF A BROADER TREND AMONG CONSERVATIVE LAWMAKERS IN TEXAS, WHO HAVE ALSO PROPOSED DISPLAYING THE TEN COMMANDMENTS IN CLASSROOMS, WITH POTENTIAL PLANS TO REVISIT THE ISSUE IN THE COMING YEAR.
TEXAS IS NOT ALONE IN THESE EFFORTS.
IN OKLAHOMA, STATE OFFICIALS ARE PUSHING TO INCORPORATE THE BIBLE INTO PUBLIC SCHOOL LESSONS, THOUGH A LAWSUIT HAS BEEN FILED TO BLOCK THE INITIATIVE.
MEANWHILE, IN LOUISIANA, A FEDERAL JUDGE RECENTLY STRUCK DOWN A LAW REQUIRING THE TEN COMMANDMENTS TO BE DISPLAYED IN PUBLIC CLASSROOMS, RULING THAT IT VIOLATED THE PRINCIPLE OF SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE.
EFFORTS TO PROMOTE RELIGIOUS TEACHINGS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS REMAIN A FIERCE DEBATE – EVEN AS SOME STATES ADOPT THESE MEASURES – THEIR FATE COULD ULTIMATELY BE LEFT TO THE COURTS.
PENDING POTENTIAL LITIGATION – IF THE TEXAS BOARD APPROVES THE BIBLE LESSONS ON FRIDAY – THEN THEY WOULD BE OPTIONAL FOR SCHOOLS TO ADOPT NEXT AUGUST FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR.
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Media Landscape
See who else is reporting on this story and which side of the political spectrum they lean. To read other sources, click on the plus signs below. Learn more about this dataBias Distribution
Left
Texas proposal would give schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on The IndependentTexas proposal would give schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on Associated Press NewsTexas officials set to vote today on adding Bible lessons for K-5 classes as some states push Christianity in public schools
Click to see story on CNNTexas officials support Bible-based lessons in elementary schools
Click to see story on The Washington PostProposal to allow Bible teachings in Texas public grade schools draws intense fire, praise
Click to see story on CBS NewsTexas Education Board to vote on controversial new curriculum that includes Bible teachings
Click to see story on abc 13 HoustonTexas proposal would give schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on San Antonio Express-NewsTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elementary school lessons
Click to see story on Orlando SentinelTexas SBOE clears path to approving lesson plans with Bible teachings
Click to see story on San Antonio Express-NewsTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elementary school lessons
Click to see story on Bowen Island UndercurrentTexas signals support for Bible-infused curriculum
Click to see story on The Texas TribuneSAISD approves tougher terms on land sale for Missions deal
Click to see story on San Antonio ReportTexas proposal would give schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on Religion News ServiceTexas proposal would give schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on Thompson CitizenTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elementary school lessons
Click to see story on KIFITexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elementary school lessons
Click to see story on KVIATexas education officials vote to back optional Bible lessons for K-5 classes: Reports
Click to see story on The HillTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elemetary school lessons
Click to see story on Washington Top NewsTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elementary school lessons
Click to see story on WPLGTexas education leaders set to vote on adding Bible study for K-5 classes
Click to see story on Houston ChronicleTexas Education Board Backs Elementary School Curriculum With Biblical References
Click to see story on Wall Street JournalWill Texas students soon learn Christian stories in their public school lessons?
Click to see story on Dallas NewsTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elementary school lessons
Click to see story on WCBDState Board of Education voting on use of Bible stories in public school lessons
Click to see story on KXANTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elemetary school lessons
Click to see story on The ColumbianTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elementary school lessons
Click to see story on KEYTTexas State Board of Education signals support for Bible-infused curriculum
Click to see story on Houston Public MediaTexas Students May Soon Be Reading Bible Stories in English Classes
Click to see story on edweek.orgTexas proposal would give public schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on Washington TimesTexas debates proposal to allow Bible teachings as option for public school lessons
Click to see story on National PostTexas proposal would give schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on Winnipeg SunTexas Education Board Backs Curriculum With Lessons Drawn From Bible
Click to see story on DNyuzRight
Untracked Bias
Texas proposal would give schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on My Mother LodeTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elementary school lessons
Click to see story on Temple Daily TelegramProposal would allow Bible teachings in Texas public grade schools
Click to see story on News Talk 94.1/AM 1600Proposal to allow Bible teachings in Texas public grade schools draws intense fire, praise
Click to see story on PressNewsAgencyTexas proposal would give public schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons – Conservative Angle
Click to see story on Conservative AngleThey try to allow Bible teaching in Texas school classrooms
Click to see story on World Today NewsProposal in Texas would allow use of Bible teachings in school classes Agencies The Voice of the Interior
Click to see story on La VozTitle of the Page
Click to see story on KTBB News, Weather, TalkTexas Proposal Would Give Schools the Option to Use Bible Teachings in Lessons
Click to see story on digitalmarketreports.comProposal in Texas would allow Bible teachings to be used in school classes
Click to see story on Voice of America – SpanishTexas proposal would give schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on thealbertan.comProposal in Texas would allow Bible teachings to be used in school classes
Click to see story on Independent EspañolTEXAS EDUCATION BOARD BACKS BIBLE-INFUSED LESSONS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Click to see story on cedarnews.netTexas proposal would give schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons – Regional Media News
Click to see story on regionalmedianews.comTexas officials vote on adding the Bible to language arts curriculum
Click to see story on elrisala.comTexas proposal would give public schools the option to use Bible teachings in lessons
Click to see story on The New York LedgerTexas board advances plan to allow Bible material in elementary school lessons
Click to see story on lonestarlive.comTexas Board Advances Plan To Allow Bible Material In Elementary School Lessons – 710am KURV
Click to see story on kurv.comTexas Weighs Bible-Based Curriculum for 2.3 Million Students
Click to see story on sanangelolive.comTexas Tests Waters With Elementary Bible Lessons – Reform Austin
Click to see story on Reform AustinSeek to Allow Bible Teachings in Texas School Classes
Click to see story on Telemundo San Antonio (60)Straight to your inbox.
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