AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas State Board of Education gave initial approval to changes in public school social studies curriculum standards and an updated reading list that includes content from and about the Christian Bible, according to proceedings held this week.
The board approved the proposals on first reading and filing after hours of discussion and public testimony. The measures still require a second vote in June before final adoption. If approved again, the changes would take effect for the 2030 school year.
The proposed updates revise Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards for social studies and expand required reading materials for public school students.
Board members voted 9–6 to advance the changes after previously delaying consideration earlier in the year.
During public testimony, speakers offered differing views on the proposals. Some speakers raised concerns about the inclusion of biblical texts in required instruction, saying it could exclude students of other faiths. Other speakers supported the changes and said the curriculum should reflect historical influences of Christianity.
Education advocates and teachers’ organizations also weighed in on the proposal. The Texas Classroom Teachers Association said in a statement that schools already face challenges covering existing curriculum within limited instructional time and raised concerns about adding additional required materials.
Supporters of the changes said the curriculum reflects historical foundations of Western civilization and U.S. history.
The board’s action represents a preliminary step in the curriculum adoption process. Final approval is scheduled for a second reading in June.
