The Texas State Board of Education approved a required reading list for public school students that includes Bible passages, expanding conservative efforts to incorporate Christian texts into state curriculum requirements. The list covers more than $5 million students and begins a staged rollout starting with elementary students in 2030. Critics argue the approach violates the separation of church and state by leaving little room for teachers and students to decide what to read, while supporters say Judeo-Christian traditions are foundational and should be reflected in public education. For higher education stakeholders in teacher preparation and curriculum studies, the decision signals continued pressure on K–12 instructional standards that will shape incoming cohorts and credential expectations.