Should Texas schools teach from the Bible? A curriculum fight heats up

Texas leaders are squaring off over a big idea that could reshape what students read in public schools. A recent state law asked educators to pick one book or passage for every grade, from kindergarten through high school. Out of hundreds of suggestions, several come straight from the Bible. Little ones might tackle “The Golden Rule, ” while older kids could study Psalms or the story of Job. The twist? Some drafts even list “State of Texas” as the author for certain verses, sparking questions about who really wrote the lesson. The debate isn’t just about literature. Parents and teachers are also raising concerns about proposed changes to social studies. Families of Japanese descent say plans to downplay internment camps erase real history that happened in Texas. Others note the new standards give Christian and Jewish texts more spotlight, while other faiths get less attention. Ideas like these are forcing families to ask: whose stories deserve the most space in classrooms?Critics say the Bible-heavy list shows a narrow view of what kids need to learn. One board member pointed out that if Texas keeps recycling the same old classics, reading scores won’t improve. The state currently ranks near the bottom for third-grade reading, and many argue a one-size-fits-all approach won’t close that gap. Supporters, though, say these texts shaped American culture and belong in any well-rounded education. Not everyone agrees on how much room religion should take up. Some argue that skipping the Bible means skipping foundational stories that still influence modern life. Others worry that mixing state documents with sacred texts could blur the line between church and public schools. Even the question of opting out isn’t simple: parents could skip certain readings, but critics ask whether that turns classrooms into a patchwork of personal preferences. What’s next? No votes are final yet. Leaders will keep debating this week, with a decision expected by June. If approved, these changes wouldn’t start until 2030, giving schools time to prepare—or push back. In the end, the fight isn’t just about books on shelves. It’s about which parts of history and culture Texas wants to highlight, and who gets to decide.