The Texas State Board of Education voted to approve a new curriculum that incorporates Bible teachings into elementary school lessons, despite concerns that it could blur the line between religion and public education.
The vote, which passed 8-7, allows Texas schools to offer Bible-infused lessons to students in kindergarten through fifth grade as early as next year. Supporters argue the Bible is essential to American history, while critics worry the lessons could promote Christianity and exclude students of other faiths.
The materials are optional, but schools that adopt them will receive additional state funding. The lessons include discussions on the Golden Rule and references to Bible passages, such as those in Psalms during a lesson about Thanksgiving.
READ: Texas education board approves optional Bible-infused curriculum for elementary schools
Humble Independent School District plans to use the math portion of Bluebonnet Learning.
“Beginning in January, Humble ISD plans to use Bluebonnet Learning math materials at about a third of our elementary campuses to see if the math materials are effective with our students,” the district spokesperson told KPRC 2. “If the district finds Bluebonnet Learning Math to be an effective instructional resource, its use may be expanded to all elementary math classrooms. There have been no conversations about adding new materials to the language arts curriculum at this time.”
However, some parents hope the district considers using the entire curriculum including the English Language Arts and Reading, which includes Bible stories.
“Everything is just so ugly and just to be kind and to be loving towards other. Like, why not, like, why not teach that in school, but also bring Jesus in to bring God into it? Because that’s where it comes from. Love comes from God,” said Paola Villa, Humble Elementary School parent. “I’m a religious person, so, I mean, the better we have gotten, you know, in schools or whatever, I think it’s. That’s good.”
State Board Member Staci Childs, who is an attorney, voted against Bluebonnet Learning’s English Language Arts and Reading portion believes the curriculum opens the up to lawsuits.
“If a parent or a teacher who didn’t feel comfortable teaching this were to bring this up to a court, I believe they would be successful,” Childs said. “In the kindergarten materials. Christian Christianity. Christians is referenced three times. First grade reference four times. Second grade reference 17 times. “
TEA Commissioner Mike Morath praised the board’s vote.
“Bluebonnet Learning provides Texas teachers with textbooks and instructional materials that are of the highest quality, aligned to our state’s standards and foundational for student success,” Morath said in a statement.
Statement from Texas Education Commissioner, Mike Morath, on the passage of Bluebonnet Learning
“The approval of Bluebonnet Learning means that an important, optional new resource will be available for students, teachers and schools. These materials were developed using the best evidence on how to teach reading and math with extensive feedback from teachers and parents to construct a product that is effective, engaging and grade-level appropriate. Bluebonnet Learning provides Texas teachers with textbooks and instructional materials that are of the highest quality, aligned to our state’s standards and foundational for student success.”
Important additional information
School systems have access to $40 per student per year to purchase any materials adopted by the State Board of Education as High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM). School systems have access to $20 per student per year to if they choose to order printed copies of Bluebonnet Learning. Print-ready PDF copies of the materials are free for any Texan to download and use. To view the approved materials, visit tea.texas.gov/bluebonnet.
KPRC 2’s Rilwan Balogun reached out to 33 school districts in our area trying to figure out whether they’ll use the lesson plan.
Aldine Independent School District
No response.
Alief Independent School District
“Alief ISD does not have a statement concerning this decision at this time.”
Alvin Independent School District
No response.
Angleton Independent School District
No response.
Brazosport Independent School District
No response.
Barbers Hill Independent School District
No response.
Brazos Independent School District
No response.
Bay City Independent School District
“Bay City ISD has not made use of OER materials previously. However, we have engaged in a long process of investigating the need for OER/HQIM, potential effect on learner outcomes, teacher retention, sustainability, and gave strong consideration to the forecast that the state will shift its focus to fully funding OER/HQIM through the Instructional Materials Allotment. Bay City ISD engaged in the LASO Grant Strong Foundations Literacy Framework Planning process, made stakeholder site visits to schools successfully implementing HQIM; and has reached a conclusion that we will seek to implement Bluebonnet Learning in the 25-26 school year for grades K through 5 Reading Language Arts if we are awarded the portion of the LASO 3 Grant that would fully fund the implementation support to do so successfully.”
Boling Independent School District
No response.
Burton Independent School District
1. Open Education Resources (OER): Yes, our district has utilized various Open Education Resources in the past. These resources have been integrated into our curriculum to provide additional learning materials and enhance student engagement.
2. Bluebonnet Learning: As for Bluebonnet Learning, if it passes the approval process with the SBOE, the decision to adopt it will ultimately be up to the district’s leadership and the Board of Trustees. While we may consider the resource for adoption, the final decision rests with the Board, and they will review it thoroughly to determine its alignment with our district’s needs and goals.
Columbia-Brazoria Independent School District
No response.
Centerville Independent School District
No response.
Clear Creek Independent School District
No response.
Cleveland Independent School District
No response.
Conroe Independent School District
No response.
Cy-Fair Independent School District
“CFISD does not currently use the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum and has not begun evaluating it or made any decisions about its future use.”
Deer Park Independent School District
No response.
East Bernard Independent School District
No response.
Fort Bend Independent School District
Fort Bend ISD said they “don’t use” Open Education Resources which includes Bluebonnet Learning.
Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District
No response.
Houston Independent School District
No response.
Humble Independent School District
“Beginning in January, Humble ISD plans to use Bluebonnet Learning math materials at about a third of our elementary campuses to see if the math materials are effective with our students. If the district finds Bluebonnet Learning Math to be an effective instructional resource, its use may be expanded to all elementary math classrooms. There have been no conversations about adding new materials to the language arts curriculum at this time.”
Katy Independent School District
“The district has a well-established practice of reviewing state-approved instructional resources prior to an adoption.”
Klein Independent School District
“Klein ISD does not currently use Bluebonnet Learning/Open Education Resources in our schools.”
La Port Independent School District
No response.
Pasadena Independent School District
No response.
Splendora Independent School District
“Splendora ISD adopted Amplify and Eureka as part of the Open Education Resources for the 24-25 school year. Bluebonnet Learning Secondary Math will go before the board for approval in December. Bluebonnet Learning K-5 Math and Bluebonnet Learning K-5 Reading Language Arts will go before the board for approval in January.”
Spring Independent School District
No response.
Spring Branch Independent School District
No response.
Montgomery Independent School District
No response.
New Caney Independent School District
No response.
Waller Independent School District
No response.
Willis Independent School District
No response.
