government
Which Bible passages are in Texas’ proposed student reading list? Here’s what the selections reveal
By Guest Contributor at Odessa American (oaoa.com)
· June 21, 2026
· 10 min read
An open Bible in a chapel at the Capitol in Austin on March 17, 2025. Credit: Lorianne Willett/The Texas Tribune
By Ellie Ashby, The Texas Tribune
The State Board of Education is preparing to vote next week on requiring Texas schoolchildren to read about a dozen Bible passages and religious stori...
Key takeaway In fourth grade, students would encounter Luke 14:7-11, a New Testament passage where Jesus says: “All those who lift themselves up will be made humble.
Why this matters in The Odessa
The proposed Texas school curriculum's inclusion of Bible passages raises questions about how these stories will be taught in Odessa 's public schools, which are part of the Ector County Independent School District. Given the city's own school district is governed by the ECISD, the decision by the State Board of Education will directly impact what Odessa students learn in their English classes. The reliance on Christian perspectives in the proposed curriculum may also spark debate among Odessa's diverse community, where residents may have varying views on the role of religion in public education. As the curriculum is set to be voted on, Odessa parents and educators will be watching closely to see how the new requirements will be implemented and what guidance will be provided to teachers on presenting these stories in a historical or devotional context.
About this story
Original reporting by Odessa American (oaoa.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Odessa American (oaoa.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 21, 2026 ·
Source: Odessa American (oaoa.com) ·
Reading time: 10 min
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What is this story about? An open Bible in a chapel at the Capitol in Austin on March 17, 2025. Credit: Lorianne Willett/The Texas Tribune
By Ellie Ashby, The Texas Tribune
The State Board of Education is preparing to vote next week on requiring Texas schoolchildren to read about a dozen Bible passages and religious stori...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 21, 2026 by Odessa American (oaoa.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Guest Contributor at Odessa American (oaoa.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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