Members of the State Board of Education gave preliminary approval to the state’s new English Language Arts reading list during a Tuesday meeting. The new list will determine the titles kids enrolled in government schools are required to read.
The reading list focuses on classic literature, U.S. and Texas history, and includes some passages from the Bible.
The new required reading list is a result of House Bill 1605 passed in 2023, which overhauled how instructional materials are approved and reviewed in Texas public schools, and mandated the creation of a required reading and vocabulary list.
The Texas Public Policy Foundation reports that the list not only seeks to teach literacy and literacy skills, but also “to build students’ knowledge of the world, especially America.”
During public testimony on Monday, several individuals critical of the reading list argued that it exclusively favors Christianity and underrepresents several cultures—thus undermining American history.
Those in support of the new standards and reading list highlighted its rigor, use of biblical references in a culturally and historically relevant manner, and preservation of both classical western literature and American founding documents for civic literacy and moral formation.
State Rep. Salman Bhojani (D–Euless) protested the list, and argued it exceeds what the legislature authorized in HB 1605.
SBOE Chairman Aaron Kinsey (R–Midland) provided clarity, noting that HB 1605 only set minimum requirements, meaning the proposed reading list is still within the board’s legislative and statutory authority.
During the board’s discussion on the list, multiple amendments were suggested to delete titles, move them to a different grade level, or fix technical information.
Mary Elizabeth Castle, director of government relations for Texas Values, provided real-time updates of changes made to the reading list.
Among the changes proposed was an amendment by SBOE Member Pam Little (R–Fairview) to remove “You are Special” by Max Lucado. She argued that the title would promote bullying in schools. SBOE Member Keven Ellis (R–Lufkin) argued that the book would do the opposite. The book remained on the list following a 7-6 vote.
Little also proposed the striking of “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost and “Noah’s Ark.”
“Noah‘s Ark” was removed, along with a “Catholic Tale of St George and the Dragon,” in 9-5 and 9-2 votes, respectively.
“The Road Not Taken” was originally struck from the list but was later moved from 4th grade to 7th grade.
SBOE Member Staci Childs (D–Houston) proposed an amendment to remove several titles, including “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” and “The Little Red Hen” because they were edited by political commentator William Bennett.
Castle reported that this was due to “a testifier the day before [who] testified about Bennett’s political background and his possible financial benefit for adopting these.”
Child’s withdrew her amendment, but Castle posted that it seems there will be research done to find similar titles from different publishers.
After the amendments were made, the reading list—including the Bible references—passed in a 9-5 preliminary vote.
A vote for final approval will be taken on Friday.
