State Board Considers Elective Bible Course Standards for High Schools

The State Board of Education in Tennessee convened on August 25, 2025, to discuss the onboarding process for the English Language Arts (ELA) State Review Committee (SRC) and the implications of a proposed elective course focused on the academic study of the Bible.

The meeting began with a review of the agenda, which included the potential approval of academic standards for a state-funded elective course that would provide a nonsectarian and nonreligious examination of the Bible. Board members emphasized the importance of ensuring that the course does not promote any specific viewpoint or religious doctrine. The law mandates that the State Board must include a list of approved high school courses, including this elective Bible course.

Currently, there are no state-approved textbooks or instructional materials for the Bible course, and no Local Education Agencies (LEAs) have developed a curriculum that has received approval from the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE). The proposed course is expected to align with the state board's 2009 academic standards and may cover the Bible's influence on literature, art, music, culture, and politics. Importantly, the course must be taught objectively, avoiding any indoctrination or sectarian interpretations.

Following the presentation, the board allocated time for questions. A member raised the issue of whether the Bible course should be integrated into the ELA standards or if it would be more appropriate to recommend its inclusion within history standards. This discussion highlighted the ongoing debate about the educational framework surrounding the Bible's role in academic settings.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore the implications of the proposed course and its alignment with existing educational standards. The board plans to continue discussions on this topic in future meetings, ensuring that any developments adhere to the legal requirements and educational objectives of the state.