The curriculum adopted by the state education board, which is controlled by elected Republicans, is optional for schools, but they will receive additional funding if they implement it.

Texas’ education board voted Friday to allow Bible-infused teachings in elementary schools, joining other Republican-led states that pushed this year to give religion a larger presence in public classrooms.

Texas students will soon learn about Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, the parable of the Prodigal Son and other Bible stories in their elementary classrooms. State Board of Education members on Friday narrowly approved 8-7 the state-crafted instructional materials infused with Christianity.