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

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.

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 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.

While Bible-based lessons will not be mandatory, schools that incorporate them will receive additional funding. Boosters say the Bible is a core feature of American history, while critics point out the lessons will alienate students from other religions.

The Texas State Board of Education voted on Friday to approve an optional public school curriculum that includes stories from the Bible and lessons based on the ancient text. The board, which is composed of 10 Republicans and five Democrats,

The state-created and optional curriculum comes as many states are pushing biblical education in public schools