HOUSTON – HOUSTON – Houston ISD trustees voted Thursday night to adopt the state’s Bluebonnet Learning curriculum for elementary school students, reversing a decision made last year and prompting debate over the role of biblical references in public education.
The curriculum, developed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), includes references to stories and figures from the Bible as part of lessons designed to teach students about literature, history and culture. According to TEA, the curriculum does not provide religious instruction but includes religious references when they are relevant to history, literature and culture.
Recommended Videos
Last year, HISD trustees voted not to adopt the curriculum. This year, the board approved its use beginning with the upcoming school year.
During Thursday night’s meeting, several parents urged trustees to delay or reject the curriculum, arguing the district did not provide enough transparency or opportunities for public input before the vote.
One parent told trustees:
“Forcing Bluebonnet on the district without transparency, clarity or community involvement is unacceptable. It is too soon and the stakes are too high.”
Another parent argued public schools should focus on secular education.
“Public education should unite our community by focusing on shared secular knowledge and civic values, not by disproportionately highlighting one religion or religious textbook.”
Others questioned whether the curriculum could blur the line between teaching about religion and teaching religion.
“Public schools must remain neutral on matters of religion. It’s not a personal preference; it’s a matter of constitutional responsibility… In a literacy program for young children, that line can easily become blurred.”
Houston ISD’s Deputy Superintendent Kristen Hole defended the curriculum during the meeting, telling trustees she does not view Bluebonnet as religious indoctrination.
Holes said teachers are prohibited by law from promoting any religion and will instead focus on the academic learning objectives required by the state.
Holes also said HISD will continue to align instruction with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and will not allow teachers to alter lessons based on their own political or religious beliefs.
District leaders said adopting Bluebonnet will bring approximately $3.3 million in additional state funding, as HISD works to address a nearly $25 million budget deficit.
According to TEA, school districts that adopt State Board-approved high-quality instructional materials receive additional state funding. Districts that choose Bluebonnet Learning are also eligible for additional funding to help offset printing and implementation costs.
TEA also says Bluebonnet Learning is optional and that decisions about whether and how to implement the curriculum are made by local school districts.
KPRC 2 asked HISD what changed since trustees voted against adopting Bluebonnet last year, how the curriculum will affect campuses operating under Superintendent Mike Miles’ New Education System (NES), and what parents can expect during implementation.
The district referred KPRC 2 to Thursday night’s board presentation and discussion but did not directly answer those questions.
KPRC 2 also contacted TEA, about the funding. The agency directed us to the Bluebonnet Learning FAQs resource page on the website.
The curriculum is expected to be implemented during the upcoming school year.