September 15, 2008
Re: Bible Curriculum
Dear Administrators and School Board Members:
As you may be aware, there was recent legislation that codified the ability of public schools to include within their areas of instruction a class involving study of the Bible. The particulars of this bill aside, it is a fact that such constitutional right has always been available to Texas school children. Numerous districts within the state of Texas have been implementing such instruction for years.
We, the undersigned State Board of Education members, have no desire or intention of prescribing a set Bible curriculum for individual school districts to use. Rather, it is our desire to see local districts maintain complete control concerning this discretionary subject matter. We recognize, however, that the curriculum provided by the National Council On Bible Curriculum In Public Schools has been implemented successfully in numerous school districts within the state of Texas for years. Additionally, this particular curriculum has been thoroughly assessed and has been determined by an independent educational organization to comply very well with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. (See attached.) The website for the National Council On Bible Curriculum In Public Schools is: Bibleinschools.net
The particulars surrounding the implementation of Bible curriculum are unique in that they involve much more stringent constitutional parameters than do other subject areas. Therefore, it makes logical sense to select a curriculum that has already been tested and proven w'ithin the field. Additionally, when selecting a Bible curriculum, it would appear to be a much safer and ultimately accurate approach, to select a curriculum that simply utilizes biblical text rather than subjective commentary and opinion. It follows that subjective commentary and opinion could more easily expose a curriculum to failure to meet constitutional muster, should such ever be questioned.
It is for all the above-stated reasons that we the undersigned believe the curriculum provided by the National Council On Bible Curriculum In Public Schools meets the academic requirements set forth by both the State Board of Education and the Texas Legislature, and could be implemented successfully by local school districts.
