Texas schools may get more Bible, less world history in proposed curriculum
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
The Texas State Board of Education is eyeing an overhaul to social studies standards that expands lessons on Christianity and Texas history and de-emphasizes world history.
Why it matters: Supporters say the changes would strengthen instruction on Western civilization, patriotism and the historical influence of religion in America.
- Critics argue the curriculum elevates Christianity above other faith traditions and provides an incomplete picture of American history.
Driving the news: The 15-member, Republican-led board gave preliminary approval to the new K–12 social studies curriculum and a statewide reading list this week.
- A final vote is expected Friday.
State of play: The standards would require Texas history to be taught in every grade and eliminate the current sixth-grade world cultures course.
- Among the changes, third graders would learn to "describe Moses' contributions as a law-giver through the Ten Commandments."
- Third graders would also learn to "describe how Christian beliefs, including valuing every individual, doing what is right, and showing compassion for others, helped shape American ideas about equality, rights, and treating people with dignity."
What they're saying: Republican board member Brandon Hall, who represents parts of North Texas, said in a press conference the board was "bringing the Bible back into schools this week for the first time in 60 years."
- Critics held a "funeral for religious freedom."
- Gov. Greg Abbott has endorsed the proposed standards.
Zoom in: The board also debated a proposed mandatory reading list for K–12 students, which is based on a 2023 law that mandated the Texas Education Agency to compile a list of reading materials for each grade.
- The list contains Bible passages and biblical stories for multiple grade levels.
- "For the first time, I face the prospect of teaching a state-mandated text list that tells some of those students that their faiths, their families, and their cultures mean less to our country than those of their classmates," Austin-based English teacher Frank Strong told the board this week.
What's next: If the board approves the changes, the new curriculum would go into effect during the 2030–31 school year.