The Texas State Board of Education has approved a measure requiring Bible stories to be included in English language arts lessons in the state's public schools.

Supporters say the lessons will help students better understand history and literature, while critics argue they blur the line between education and religion.

According to the Associated Press, the mandatory statewide reading curriculum will be introduced from 2030 for students from kindergarten through to 12th grade. Younger pupils will be taught picture-book adaptations alongside stories including David and Goliath and Daniel and the Lions' Den, before progressing to New Testament passages about Jesus in fourth grade. Older students will study excerpts from Genesis, the Gospel of Matthew, including the Sermon on the Mount, and the Gospel of Luke, including the Parable of the Prodigal Son, which Texas classifies as classic literature.

The new curriculum has prompted questions from parents about whether they can opt their children out of the Bible-based lessons.

According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas law allows parents to temporarily remove their child from a class or school activity if it conflicts with the family's religious or moral beliefs. Parents must submit a written request, although there are limits to the exemption.

Students cannot be withdrawn from an entire course for a semester or exempted from taking tests. They must also continue to meet state graduation and academic requirements.

The Texas Education Agency said pupils who opt out of the Bible-based lessons could still be assessed on the material because it forms part of the required curriculum, potentially placing them at a disadvantage.

It remains unclear whether school districts will provide alternative work for students who are withdrawn from the lessons, as Texas law does not require them to do so.