Texas Touts Bible-Boosted Curriculum, Critics Call for a Hymn to Diversity in Schools
Texas is stirring controversy with a proposed curriculum that puts the Bible front and center in public elementary schools. According to documents released by the Texas Education Agency, the new reading and language arts lessons, infused with Christian teachings, are up for public view and feedback. The TEA, helmed by Commissioner Mike Morath, argues these materials are crucial for cognitive development and boosting grades, particularly after a decline in student performance during the pandemic.
While Texas offers districts a tantalizing $60-per-student incentive to adopt the curriculum, critics are raising eyebrows. Excerpts from the proposed textbooks, some seen by The Texas Tribune, have shown a heavy slant towards biblical content. Amplify, the curriculum vendor based in New York, reportedly dropped out of a contract bid when Texas pushed for Bible-laden content over other religious texts, a claim the state education agency denies, citing the inclusion of multiple religions throughout the curriculum.
In defense, Morath claims the religious content is a "small piece of the content pie," yet he didn't provide specific percentages when speaking to The Texas Tribune. He framed the curriculum shift as a move towards a classical education, designed to provide students with the necessary background to understand references in literature like Steinbeck's works in high school.
Last week's Texas GOP convention saw a push for more Christianity in public life, mirrored in the educational material's design. SBOE Chair Aaron Kinsey pledged to use his influence to promote Republican values and combat what Republicans describe as left-wing indoctrination attempts, such as Critical Race Theory and diversity initiatives. Yet, the slice of biblical references in the curriculum has led to concerns that it transforms education into religious instruction, a line that Southern Methodist University's Mark Chancey warned against. "It serves a civic good for students to be taught about religion," he said, but there is a balance to be struck between education and indoctrination.
The proposed curriculum includes a variety of religious contexts, from a lesson on Purim in the second grade to a poetry unit featuring Kshemendra, a Buddhist and Hindu poet, in the fourth grade. State Board of Education members, including Republican Keven Ellis and Democrat Staci Childs, have emphasized the importance of religious diversity and the alignment of materials with state standards. While the materials only serve as an option for schools, TEA's joint effort with the Legislature in creating them suggests a significant push toward their widespread adoption.
Set for a possible State Board of Education stamp of approval in November and full deployment in August 2025, the content also reflects Texas-centric elements, as Morath highlighted the need for a curriculum based on the specific needs of Texas students. Governor Greg Abbott has voiced his support, emphasizing the curriculum's ties to understanding historical events informed by religion and art. Amidst this backdrop, the conversation intensifies over religious inclusion in public schooling, and the state prepares to navigate the fine line between secular education and religious instruction as feedback from educators and the public pours in until the August 16 deadline.
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