AUSTIN (AP) - An impending state Board of Education vote could
determine whether specific standards are established for a proposed
elective high school Bible course, rather than the non-specific
guidelines already adopted.
The Houston Chronicle reports Democratic lawmaker Scott
Hochberg, from Houston, told a state Board of Education committee
on yesterday that it should reverse itself and set up specific
standards for the course.
In March the board decided to allow standard English and social
studies guidelines to be applied to elective Bible courses, rather
than drafting curriculum standards specific to the teaching of
religious doctrine.
The board today is expected to take a final vote on the issue.
The San Antonio Express-News reports Republican Terri Leo, from
Spring, noted that the Bible course would be an elective class.
The Legislature passed a law last year allowing for Bible
courses to be offered as an elective starting in the 2009-2010
school year and directed the board to adopt curriculum standards
that do not run afoul of the constitutional separation of church
and state.

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