According to a new poll, Texans overwhelmingly support the inclusion of historical religious stories in instructional materials as part of a high quality, knowledge-building curriculum. The survey also shows that Texans generally agree that religious texts or primary sources, such as the Bible and other religious texts, can help students better understand the development of Western civilization.
Last year, the Texas Legislature passed HB 1605 which required the Texas Education Agency to develop new curriculum materials that meet grade level standards for quality and suitability. A draft for K-5 reading and language arts was published in May. The curriculum contains very few religious references. Where such content does appear, it helps to explain specific topics and themes. This includes examples from the Bible and a variety of other religious texts and traditions.
For example, the kindergarten unit on “Serving Our Neighbors” discusses the Golden Rule and its origin. Another portion tells the story of the Good Samaritan.
In the poll, nearly two-thirds of Texans (64%) said they support “the inclusion of historical religious stories and examples into state provided curriculum,” while 33% said they opposed including the stories. Three-quarters (75%) of Black Texans support it, as do 59% of Hispanic Texans.
Some of the educational materials provided through House Bill 1605 include stories and lessons from the Bible such as the Good Samaritan and the “Golden Rule” defined as “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” in elementary school as means of lessons for serving others. Knowing this, would you support or oppose the inclusion of historical religious stories and examples into state provided curriculum?
Texans were also given two statements regarding the stories that were included in the curriculum and asked to choose which statement came closer to their opinion.
One statement said, “people say that knowledge of religious stories from different faiths can provide students with a greater understanding of the development of Western culture, art, and history.” The other statement said, “other people say that providing passages from the Bible in state schools has the potential for religious indoctrination.”
Nearly six in ten Texans (58%) said the religious stories gave students a greater understanding, while just a quarter (25%) said they had the potential for religious indoctrination.
I am going to read you two points of view about including Bible stories in state provided educational materials and please tell me which one you agree with more.
The poll was conducted by WPA Intelligence for the Texas Public Policy Foundation on July 23-25, 2024. It polled 801 registered Texas voters and has a margin of error of +/- 3.5%. The sample includes 36% Republicans, 31% Independents, and 27% Democrats.