The State Board of Education (SBOE) on Friday approved the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) proposal for Texas’ state-owned textbooks, known as Bluebonnet Learning. It passed by a vote of 8-7. It includes new Mathematics curriculum for K-8 students,

The curriculum, called Bluebonnet Learning, draws on biblical stories for use in English and Spanish language-arts lessons available for public school students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

School districts can choose their own lesson plans, but the state will offer an incentive of $60 per student to districts that adopt the lessons

Texas approves an optional Bible-based curriculum for elementary schools, causing debate over religious inclusion in education.

Public schools in Texas now have the option to use a new, state-written curriculum infused with Bible stories after the state’s school board voted in favor of the material on Friday.

The lesson plans – intended to boost children’s reading skills – ignited controversy as parents, education advocates and religious leaders decried the idea

The Texas State Board of Education has approved a set of lesson plans for elementary students that includes stories from the Bible.

The curriculum’s approval was supported by Republican state leaders Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan. It follows the passage of a 2023 bill related to open access to instructional materials for districts.

Only Republican members of the education board voted for it. All Democratic members and three Republicans opposed it.

Education officials in Texas are expected to vote Friday on a new public school curriculum that would incorporate stories from the Bible into elementary school teachings.