Texas education officials on Friday approved a new elementary school curriculum that draws from the Bible, the final step of a contentious effort to expand religious instruction in the state.
The reading and language arts curriculum, which will be optional for schools, could serve as a model for conservative Christian leaders in other states.
Starting in August, the new Texas curriculum, for kindergarten through fifth grade, will be available to districts.
The state serves more than two million elementary students in its public schools.
The curriculum incorporates into English lessons stories from the Bible such as Jesus and his Sermon on the Mount, the parable of the Prodigal Son and the Old Testament tale of Esther.
Persons:
Jesus, Esther
Locations:
Texas, Louisiana