Jul 18, 2008 5:02 pm US/Central

Texas Board Of Education Approves Bible Classes
AUSTIN (AP) ― The State Board of Education has approved the establishment of Bible classes in public high schools.

Board members in Austin rejected calls to draw specific teaching guidelines.

The 2007 Legislature passed a law allowing Bible courses to be offered as an elective -- to focus on the history and literature of the Bible, without preaching or disparaging any faith.

Critics say the board's 10-5 vote doesn't provide specific enough guidelines to help teachers and school districts know how to do that.

Backers say the purpose of the classes is to teach biblical content and its context in modern society, including culture, art and public policy.

The adopted rule follows broad guidelines used for English and social studies classes.

Students must be able to use critical thinking skills to evaluate information and communicate what they've learned in written, oral or visual forms.


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