School districts can choose their own lesson plans, but the state will offer an incentive of $60 per student to districts that adopt the lessons

The State Board of Education (SBOE) on Friday approved the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) proposal for Texas’ state-owned textbooks, known as Bluebonnet Learning. It passed by a vote of 8-7. It includes new Mathematics curriculum for K-8 students,

The SBOE approved the material by an 8-7 vote with only Republican members voting for it. All Democratic members and three Republicans opposed it.

The curriculum adopted by the state education board, which is controlled by elected Republicans, is optional for schools, but they will receive additional funding if they implement it.

The Texas State Board of Education has approved a set of lesson plans for elementary students that includes stories from the Bible.

The curriculum’s approval was supported by Republican state leaders Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan. It follows the passage of a 2023 bill related to open access to instructional materials for districts.

Critics say the curriculum overemphasizes Christianity. Texas school districts don’t have to use it but will receive $60 per student if they do.

Public schools in Texas now have the option to use a new, state-written curriculum infused with Bible stories after the state’s school board voted in favor of the material on Friday.

Texas’ education board voted Friday to allow Bible-infused teachings in elementary schools, joining other Republican-led states that pushed this year to give religion a larger presence in public classrooms.