Abilene, Texas — Texas public school students will soon see Bible stories and passages added to a newly approved state reading list, part of a broader effort to update instructional materials and academic standards.
Texas Board of Education approves Bible passages for public school reading list (KTXS, Kayla Hamlett)
On Friday, June 27, the Texas State Board of Education gave final approval to a new required literature reading list adopted under House Bill 1605, a law passed in 2023 directing the state to develop high-quality instructional materials and a required reading list for Texas public schools.
On Friday, June 27, the Texas State Board of Education gave final approval to a new required literature reading list adopted under House Bill 1605. (KTXS, Kayla Hamlett)
The approved list includes classic literature, historical documents and poetry. For the first time, it also includes selected Bible stories and passages to be read at different grade levels.
Texas Board of Education Approved Proposal here.
Ahead of the vote, Abilene parent and education advocate Tammy Fogle said she supported the proposal, arguing it is not intended as religious instruction.
“I heard so many people stand up and eloquently state how much this is needed in our education system because many people don’t even understand that the Bible is not about teaching or proselytizing or teaching religion. It’s about really establishing our historical accuracy based on founding documents that are very much connected to the Bible,” Fogle said.
Ahead of the vote, Abilene parent and education advocate Tammy Fogle said she supported the proposal, arguing it is not intended as religious instruction. “I heard so many people stand up and eloquently state how much this is needed in our education system because many people don’t even understand that the Bible is not about teaching or proselytizing or teaching religion. It’s about really establishing our historical accuracy based on founding documents that are very much connected to the Bible,” Fogle said. (KTXS, Kayla Hamlett)
Supporters say the additions will help students better understand works that have influenced history, literature, art and American culture.
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Under the approved reading list, students will encounter stories including Noah’s Ark, David and Goliath, Daniel in the lions’ den, Jonah and the great fish, the Good Samaritan and the prodigal son. Older students will also read passages including Psalm 23 and the Sermon on the Mount alongside other classic literary works.
Under the approved reading list, students will encounter stories including Noah’s Ark, David and Goliath, Daniel in the lions’ den, Jonah and the great fish, the Good Samaritan and the prodigal son. Older students will also read passages including Psalm 23 and the Sermon on the Mount alongside other classic literary works. (KTXS, Kayla Hamlett)
In addition to the reading list, the board approved new kindergarten through eighth-grade social studies standards that place a greater emphasis on chronological history, Texas history, American history and civics.
While the state has approved the required reading list, local school districts will continue to decide which state-approved instructional materials they adopt for their classrooms.
While the state has approved the required reading list, local school districts will continue to decide which state-approved instructional materials they adopt for their classrooms (KTXS, Kayla Hamlett)
The approved reading materials will be phased in through the 2030-2031 school year.