HISD Approves Controversial Bluebonnet Curriculum With Bible Lessons for Elementary Schools

Houston Independent School District (HISD) has taken a significant step in its educational strategy by approving the use of the state-developed Bluebonnet learning materials. This decision, made by the district’s state-appointed board of managers on Thursday, has sparked considerable debate due to the curriculum’s integration of Bible teachings. The Bluebonnet Learning materials are free resources created and managed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). By adopting these materials, districts can access financial incentives, with HISD expecting an additional $3.3 million in state funding.

The curriculum is designed to align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which outline the state’s learning expectations for reading and math. According to a submission to certify curriculum materials, HISD plans to implement Bluebonnet in reading language arts classes at some elementary schools. Additionally, Bluebonnet K-5 math will be available as an option for campuses not part of the New Education System (NES) reforms. The rollout is scheduled to begin when the next school year starts on August 10.

Why Did HISD Adopt Bluebonnet?

HISD Deputy Superintendent Kristen Hole explained that the district chose Bluebonnet to align with recent changes made by the State Board of Education. These changes include a new required reading list for all Texas districts. Hole emphasized that the texts and vocabulary in these lists would be used in future student assessments, making it crucial for the district to stay updated.

However, community members raised concerns about Hole’s reasoning, pointing out that the new reading list would not take effect until 2030. On Friday, the State Board of Education officially approved the required reading list, which includes Bible verses and numerous other texts. Hole also mentioned that recent legislation requires “teaching religious literature and its impact on history and literature,” though she did not specify the exact legislation.

Controversy Surrounding Bluebonnet

The Bluebonnet curriculum has faced criticism from various experts who argue that it emphasizes Christianity over other religions. For example, kindergartners are asked to use sequencing skills to order the creation events as described in Genesis. This has led to concerns about the potential challenges teachers may face when answering students’ questions about religion.

Moreover, the curriculum has been plagued by thousands of errors, including missing commas, incorrect answer keys, and factual inaccuracies. The TEA has allocated up to $8.4 million to address these issues.

Adoption Across HISD Schools

In its submission to the state, HISD stated that it plans to adopt Bluebonnet for kindergarten through fifth grade English and Spanish reading language arts and math. However, the district clarified that Bluebonnet math will only be an option for schools outside of the NES. If a school outside the NES has already adopted a different curriculum, it can continue using that curriculum.

Integration with Existing Curriculum

HISD’s NES instructional model requires teachers to re-teach lessons for students who do not demonstrate mastery in daily quizzes. The district will continue developing extended lessons for different learning levels. Hole emphasized that while the Bluebonnet text will be used, the district will still create its own lesson plans and assignments to ensure minimal disruption for teachers.

Navigating Bible Teachings

Superintendent Mike Miles stressed that HISD will be careful in allowing teachers to adapt the curriculum. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a standard approach to instruction, ensuring that the curriculum remains apolitical and religion-agnostic. However, the district has not detailed a specific process for making decisions about the material or identifying who in central office would oversee such choices.

Joshua Fixler, a rabbi and public school parent, expressed concerns about the curriculum’s impact on students’ religious liberties. He noted that there are both overtly and subtly problematic passages in Bluebonnet and questioned whether HISD could modify the curriculum without violating students’ rights.

As the implementation of Bluebonnet moves forward, the district continues to navigate the complex balance between adhering to state mandates and addressing community concerns about the curriculum’s content.