Texas Schools Consider Biblical Stories in History

0:00It's April 8th, from your city to your ears. This is Dallas News Today, powered by AI, I'm Cory with the story. Texas Public Schools might soon require kids to read biblical stories like Jonah and the Whale. The State Board of Education is reviewing a list that pushes these Texas key to American history and morals. This builds on moves like allowing chaplains and schools back in 2023 and mandating 10 commandments displays last year. The push comes from a 2023 law creating a state-approved reading list. They've already okayed an optional Bible-based curriculum for kindergarten through 5th grade. Complete with stories from Genesis and the Golden. Rule. Plus extra funding for schools that use it. A final vote hits in June, with changes kicking in by 2030 if it passes. Supporters, including pastors and parents, argue its vital truth about the Christian roots of the nation. Critics fire back that it breaks the wall between church and state, lacks diversity, cramps teacher styles, and sidelines non-Christian kids, or families who teach faith at home.

1:05Meanwhile, the boards eyeing social studies tweaks slam for heavy Texas pride, like flag and state song lessons, while skimping on world history, and leaning into American exceptionalism. One teacher mom warned it could shortchange US history basics before high school. These debates got national eyes on Texas as the reading list fight heats up, balancing heritage claims against classroom fairness.