Austin, Texas — Texas public schools could use Bible teachings in classes for students in kindergarten through fifth grade under a proposal that drew hours of testimony Monday and follows Republican-led efforts in other states to integrate more religious education into classrooms. .
Teachers and parents passionately testified for and against the curriculum plan at the Texas State Board of Education meeting, where a final vote on the bill is expected to be held later this week.
The board heard about the new proposed curriculum from more than 150 people during more than eight hours of testimony, CBS Houston affiliate KHOU-TV reported.
Testimony is expected to resume Tuesday, CBS Austin affiliate KEYE-TV said.
The curriculum designed by the state’s public education agency would allow for teachings from the Bible, such as the Golden Rule, and books such as Genesis to be taught in classrooms. Under the plan, it is optional for schools to adopt the curriculum, but they will receive additional funding if they do so.
Some people complained that the proposal contradicted the mission of public schools.
“This curriculum does not meet the standards of an honest, secular curriculum,” said educator Megan Tessler. “Public schools are meant to educate, not indoctrinate.”
Others also strongly supported the idea.
“Parents and teachers want a return to excellence,” said Cindy Asmussen, one of the witnesses. “The stories and concepts in the Bible have been common for hundreds of years.” And that’s a key part of classical learning, she said.
Education officials were scheduled to vote Friday on whether public schools would be given the option to teach the curriculum.
Proposals to integrate religious education in Texas public schools reflect similar trends elsewhere in the country. Oklahoma state officials are trying to include the Bible in public school lesson plans. A Louisiana federal judge recently Requirements were ignored. Have the Ten Commandments displayed in every public classroom.
Educators, parents and advocates took part in the State Board of Education’s final meeting of the year, with many opponents arguing that the proposal’s emphasis on Christian teachings would alienate students of other faiths. Those in favor testified that it would provide students with a more holistic educational foundation.
Religious experts and the Texas Freedom Network, a left-leaning watchdog group that monitors state education boards, said the curriculum proposals were too focused on Christianity and wrapped around the history of slavery.
The program was designed by the Texas Education Agency after legislation was passed earlier this year mandating that schools produce their own free textbooks. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott publicly supported the new data.
Republican lawmakers in Texas have also proposed displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms and will likely revisit the issue next year.
