Critics of the revised plan say it is too pro-Christian. Here’s the proposal:
AUSTIN, Texas — Education leaders are sharing more details about a new curriculum that could be introduced to Texas public schools next year. Critics of the revised plan say it is too pro-Christian.
Bluebonnet Learning is a state-developed educational material that provides daily lesson plans and other resources. Todd Davis, vice chair of instructional strategies for the Texas Education Agency, said the program covers math and reading curriculum for elementary and middle school students.
It was developed in response to House Bill 1605, which requires the Texas Education Agency to develop instructional materials for the state that are approved by the State Board of Education.
“At the end of the day, our students will have the support, guidance and mentorship to really understand and do what Texas State has shown us,” Davis said.
The curriculum has sparked controversy in the past, with critics accusing it of being infused with Biblical teachings and promoting Christianity over other religions. In September, the State Board of Education heard hours of public testimony about the curriculum. State Representative James Talarico attended the meeting and spoke.
“There’s a difference between preaching and teaching. This curriculum is preaching,” Talarico said in September.
Last month, the Texas Education Agency announced textbook updates after hearing all the feedback. The materials still contain religious content.
“The content of Religious Sources is presented as a resource for the purpose of providing background information on a myriad of religions from around the world, and is primarily intended to provide background, historical, and literary background. ,” Davis said. “Religious materials are not intended to impose or prophesy a religion, which is often questioned; they are simply presented for the purpose of developing students’ background knowledge.”
After reviewing the updated materials, Liberty Hill parent Kimmy Fink was disappointed.
“Based on the feedback that many of us have provided to the State Board of Education, it feels like nothing has really changed in a meaningful way,” Fink said. “This state has people from all sorts of different religious faith traditions, including Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists, as well as people with no religion at all. How can a Bible studies curriculum help them? I don’t understand.”
Mary Castle of Texas Values believes that students will benefit from learning about these stories.
“These are the foundations for so many things in literature and history, so when students study these Bible stories and Bible topics, they will gain a deeper understanding,” Castle said. .
This remains a point of contention regarding the future of student education in Texas.
“I feel like it’s opened up a Pandora’s box of problems for people,” Fink said.
The State Board of Education is scheduled to vote on Bluebonnet Learning and other products at its next meeting in November. When selected, becomes an optional resource for Texas school systems.