Texas public elementary schools could use teachings from the Bible in lessons under a proposal drawing intense opposition and praise.

Teachers and parents gave impassioned testimony for and against the curriculum plan at a meeting of the Texas State Board of Education, which is expected to hold a final vote on the measure later this week.

Texas education officials on Tuesday voted to support an optional elementary-school curriculum that would include lessons based on the Bible, which opponents say unfairly promotes Christian beliefs in public schools.