Over 300 Texas school districts will adopt controversial Bible-infused curriculum
The curriculum has been the source of widespread controversy
Just under 600 school districts and charter schools indicated plans to use parts of the Bluebonnet learning curriculum, while 317 said they would adopt some reading lessons, the Texas Tribune reported.
The Texas State Board of Education first approved the Bible-infused curriculum in November 2024, offering a $60 per student incentive for districts that chose to incorporate Bluebonnet. The curriculum intertwines lessons about English and math with references and stories from the Bible. For instance, some teachings include references to the “Golden Rule.”
Supporters have maintained that infusing Christianity into education is a means to teach about the nation’s history, while critics argue it discriminates against students of other religions. Opponents also said the curriculum minimizes the significance of slavery in the U.S.
Notably, the Houston area hasn’t seen widespread adoption of the curriculum. However, Conroe ISD was one of the first districts in the area to adopt the Bible-infused curriculum earlier this year and will roll out the curriculum for this school year. Other districts, including Fort Bend ISD Spring Branch ISD, ordered sample set materials to consider the curriculum earlier this year. But school board trustees have not yet taken up adopting the curriculum, only reviewing its potential.
The adoption of the Bible-infused curriculum comes after a legislative session that saw a push from GOP officials to infuse Christinaity into schools. Texas lawmakers also passed a bill earlier this year mandating that all schools display the Ten Commandments in the classroom. However, a federal district judge blocked the law from being enforced last week. Senate Bill 11 also allows teachers to implement a daily time for prayer and Bible reading, but there are restrictions in place — students will need signed permission slips in order to participate.
2 comments:
I do believe that, at some time (maybe Middle School or High School) public school students should be taught comparative religion. It's not the same thing. Even teaching the Bible as literature is "risky" legally speaking IMHO.
The Feds ordered the 10 Commandments be removed from the Texas State Capital some time back. It still stands. With the new State paid voucher system going in place this year, you can just about place a student in any school, public or private. Co-op Schools are gaining traction and Bible study is one of the reasons. Religious School enrollment is up in our area with several major campuses that include competitive sports.
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