The Texas State Board of Education on Friday approved Bible classes in elementary school classrooms.
Lessons are optional and could begin as early as next year. While most parents in the Rio Grande Valley support this new curriculum being taught in schools, one local teachers’ union disagrees.
School districts across the state now have the option of having Bible lessons in the classroom, and some are welcoming it.
“It would be good for the students to learn more about it, because sometimes we parents don’t have time,” said parent Rosa Aguirre.
The state Board of Education voted to approve the new curriculum from the state education agency. The decision was 8-7.
One state board member who voted against the curriculum said the class heavily favors Christianity over other faiths.
Patrick Hames, advisor and consultant for Brownsville Educators Stand Together AFT, agrees that faith lessons should be placed outside the classroom.
“The question is, which religion do you prefer? Are we going to teach them Qatar? Are we going to teach them Quorum? Are we going to teach them the King James Bible, or another variation of the Bible? Which religion do you prefer?” And the other? ” Hams said.
Schools are not required to use the curriculum, but those that do will receive a $60 per student incentive.
The union worries that if the district chooses to adopt this curriculum, other classes could be sidelined.
If a school district adopts a Bible-based curriculum, it will be taught in kindergarten through fifth grade classes.
The law is scheduled to take effect in August, but it is likely to be challenged in court before then.
