What Bible stories could Texas students read in school? Here’s what’s proposed
Bible stories could soon become part of what Texas students read in public school classrooms.
The State Board of Education is expected to take a final vote this week on a proposed reading list that includes biblical stories for students across multiple grades.
As the vote approaches, some parents may be wondering what those classroom readings could look like and when students could begin using the new reading list.
Here’s what to know.
What Bible stories are included in the proposed Texas reading curriculum?
Elementary students as young as six years old would have biblical stories such as Noah’s Ark, David and Goliath, and Daniel in the Lion’s Den read aloud from picture books.
By fifth grade, they would move on to chapters from Exodus that tell the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt.
The middle school readings shift to passages from the New Testament. Sixth graders would read Matthew 6:25-34, which has Jesus encouraging people to not be anxious about life, while seventh graders would study the Beatitudes, a series of teachings from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
At the high school level, students would read passages from Genesis that tell the story of Adam and Eve, along with 1 Corinthians 13, a chapter focused on love.
Other selections include the Parable of the Prodigal Son and readings from Job, Ecclesiastes, Psalms and Lamentations, according to reporting by The Texas Tribune.
When could students start using the new reading list?
The State Board of Education gave preliminary approval to the reading list Tuesday and is expected to take a final vote on Friday, June 26.
If approved, the new requirements would take effect during the 2030-31 school year.
State officials are aiming for a phased rollout to give schools and teachers more time to prepare for the changes.
A final approval would add the readings to Texas’ statewide curriculum requirements, meaning all public schools would be expected to incorporate them into classroom lessons.
