Conroe ISD Approves Controversial Bible-Infused Curriculum for Elementary Students
Controversial Curriculum Approved by Conroe ISD
Conroe ISD has approved a new curriculum that incorporates biblical references into reading and language arts lessons for elementary school students. The Bible-infused Bluebonnet Learning curriculum was approved in November by the Texas State Board of Education. While schools in the state are not required to use the curriculum, there are financial incentives for those that do.
Concerns Raised by Public Speakers
During Tuesday’s school board meeting, a handful of public speakers expressed opposition to the new curriculum. Alexander Harris, one of the speakers, argued that introducing biblical references in elementary school curriculum would lead to complications. "Introducing the Bible in the curriculum in today’s environment will only give rise to contention, confusion, to misinterpretation, and tomorrow Hindus will want the Gita, Muslims will want the Quran, and we will have more confusion," he said.
Implementation Plan Unfolds
In early January, Houston Public Media asked school districts across the region whether they planned to implement the Bible-infused curriculum. Only Bay City ISD said it had decided to do so, pending the availability of grant funding. Many other districts, including Conroe ISD, did not respond to emailed inquiries.
State Board of Education Member Weighs In
During Conroe ISD’s special meeting about the new curriculum, State Board of Education member Audrey Young emphasized that the curriculum was written to support literature, not to teach religion. "It’s not about teaching the Bible; it’s about using the Bible as a reference to support what we’re teaching in the classroom," she said.
Board of Trustees Vote in Favor of Curriculum
On Tuesday, five members of Conroe ISD’s board of trustees voted in favor of the new curriculum, while two abstained. Board member Nicole May expressed her support for the curriculum, citing its focus on the state. "Bluebonnet has a strong component of American exceptionalism that is woven throughout the curriculum," she said. "Further, this curriculum also lays out why Texas is special. For example, grade four, unit nine, innovation in industry and energy starts with a story of oil and ends with why Houston makes a change."
Abstaining Board Members Share Concerns
Those who abstained from voting said they were not opposed to the curriculum, but shared concerns about implementing it too soon. Trustee Marianne Horton expressed her desire to hear from the district’s teachers about the curriculum. "When you take the time to listen to teachers… just to hear them flesh it out, what would it look like in their classroom? Could we try it first?" she said. "I’d hate to adopt a program and then be the reason that students are failing."
Implementation Timeline Unclear
Board members predicted that around six or seven schools would likely be able to see an implementation of the new curriculum next year. However, Board President Misty Odenweller noted that it would take more than one year to implement the curriculum across the district. "We would need to have our teaching and learning department and others work with the Texas Education Agency on this implementation and the planning of how it would roll out," she said. "So it wouldn’t be a district-wide rollout."
FAQs
Q: What is the Bible-infused Bluebonnet Learning curriculum?
A: The Bible-infused Bluebonnet Learning curriculum is a new educational program that incorporates biblical references into reading and language arts lessons for elementary school students.
Q: Why did Conroe ISD approve the curriculum?
A: Conroe ISD approved the curriculum in November, citing its potential benefits for students and its alignment with state education standards.
Q: Who spoke out against the curriculum?
A: Alexander Harris, a public speaker, expressed concerns about the potential for controversy and confusion surrounding the inclusion of biblical references in elementary school curriculum.
Q: How will the curriculum be implemented?
A: The implementation of the curriculum will be gradual, with around six to seven schools likely to see an implementation next year. However, it will take more than one year to implement the curriculum across the district.
Q: What are the benefits of the curriculum?
A: The curriculum has been praised for its focus on American exceptionalism and its ability to lay out why Texas is special. It has also been noted for its potential to support literature and cultural understanding.
