Critics say the curriculum overemphasizes Christianity. The board is expected to officially vote on whether to approve the materials later this week.

School districts serving more than two million elementary school children would be able to adopt a curriculum that draws on the Bible.

At a meeting of the Texas State Board of Education on Monday, educators, parents, and religious advocates offered testimony for and against the proposal, which would allow Bible teachings—such as the Golden Rule and lessons from books like Genesis—to be included in classrooms.