Excerpt:
The Alabama state school board put to rest two controversial issues Friday and also placed the Selma school system on notice that the Alabama State Department of Education is planning an intervention.
With a pair of 5-2 votes, board members approved new social studies textbooks that had sections on religion some accused of being "pro-Islam" and a new math and language arts curriculum, which is based on Alabama's College and Career Ready standards that pull somewhat from the controversial Common Core curriculum.
"We took these matters very seriously," state superintendent Tommy Bice said. "We listened very closely to the concerns that were voiced and were very deliberate in our efforts to appease everyone's concerns as best we could. These standards are our standards. I personally took the time to read through each textbook and examine the portions that raised concerns. I feel comfortable with what was approved today."