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Madalynn Martinez looks at a book to check out from the Burnett Elementary School library in Houston in 2024. Until every child can read proficiently, our focus should remain on evidence-based instruction, state Rep.-elect Montserrat Garibay writes.<\/p>\n
Brett Coomer\/Staff photographer<\/p>\n
The Texas State Board of Education’s recent decision to require public school students to read selected Bible passages<\/a> reflects a troubling shift away from what should be our state\u2019s highest educational priority: ensuring every child becomes a strong reader.<\/p>\n The issue is not whether the Bible has historical or literary significance<\/a>. It does. The question is why Texas is prioritizing one religious text instead of addressing the literacy crisis affecting millions of students.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n As a former bilingual teacher and lifelong educator, I believe students benefit from studying many influential texts, which can include the Bible when taught in an objective academic context. The Bible has shaped literature, history, art and culture for centuries.\u00a0But in a public school system that serves students from many faiths, cultures, languages and backgrounds, no single religious text should be elevated above the broader goal of developing strong readers and thinkers.<\/p>\n Texas educates more than 5.5 million public school students, yet reading outcomes remain deeply alarming. According to the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress<\/a> (NAEP), often called the Nation’s Report Card, only about one in three<\/a> Texas fourth and eighth grade students reads at or above proficiency. Achievement gaps remain especially wide for emergent bilinguals, students from low income families and historically underserved communities.\u00a0<\/p>\n RELATED: Texas didn’t stumble into this school crisis. It built it<\/a><\/p>\n Gov. Greg Abbott has led Texas since 2015. During that time, our classrooms have experienced chronic underfunding, teacher shortages, increasing political interference and repeated attacks on public education. Instead of investing in the needs of students through early literacy programs, school libraries, reading specialists and teacher preparation, state leaders continue to prioritize ideological debates.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Research consistently shows that students become stronger readers when they engage with rich, meaningful and culturally relevant texts. That does not mean excluding the Bible. It means ensuring students encounter materials that both reflect their own identities and introduce them to perspectives beyond their own. Literature should serve as both a mirror and a window, helping students see themselves while expanding their understanding of others.<\/p>\n Texas is one of the most diverse states in the nation. More than 40% of our public school students are multilingual. Our classrooms include families from many religious traditions and cultural backgrounds. Texas\u2019 curriculum should reflect that diversity by a broad range of authors, cultures, histories and viewpoints that prepare students to thrive in a global society. \u00a0<\/p>\n The goal of reading instruction is not simply exposing students to important texts. It is teaching them to analyze ideas, evaluate evidence, recognize bias, compare perspectives and communicate effectively. These analytical and critical thinking skills prepare students for college, careers and engaged citizenship.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n