Conroe ISD has authorised a controversial new curriculum that implements biblical references into studying and language arts classes for elementary faculty college students.
The Bible-infused Bluebonnet Studying curriculum was authorised in November by the Texas State Board of Training. Colleges within the state usually are not required to make use of the curriculum, however there are monetary incentives for people who do.
Throughout Tuesday’s faculty board assembly, the place trustees for the Houston-area district voted to implement the teachings for the 2025-26 faculty 12 months, a handful of public audio system expressed opposition. Alexander Harris stated biblical additions in elementary faculty curriculum would carry issues.
“Introducing the Bible within the curriculum in at the moment’s atmosphere will solely give rise to competition, confusion, to misinterpretation, and tomorrow Hindus will need the Gita, Muslims will need the Quran, and we can have extra confusion,” stated Harris, referring to different non secular texts.
In early January, Houston Public Media requested faculty districts throughout the area whether or not they deliberate to implement the Bible-infused curriculum. Solely Bay Metropolis ISD stated it had determined to take action, relying on whether or not it might safe grant funding, whereas many stated they weren’t contemplating it. Some native districts, together with Conroe ISD, didn’t reply to emailed inquiries.
Throughout Conroe ISD’s particular assembly in regards to the new curriculum later in January, State Board of Training member Audrey Younger stated it was written to help literature and to not educate faith.
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On Tuesday, 5 members of Conroe ISD’s board of trustees voted in favor of the brand new curriculum and two abstained. Board member Nicole Might stated she’s in favor of the brand new curriculum due to its concentrate on the state.
“Bluebonnet has a powerful element of American exceptionalism that’s woven all through the curriculum,” she stated. “Additional, this curriculum additionally lays out why Texas is particular. For instance, grade 4, unit 9, innovation in trade and vitality begins with a narrative of oil and ends with why Houston makes a change.”
Those that abstained stated they weren’t towards the curriculum, however shared issues about implementing it too quickly. Trustee Marianne Horton stated she was focused on listening to from the district’s academics in regards to the curriculum.
“While you take the time to take heed to academics … simply to listen to them flesh it out, what would it not appear to be of their classroom? Might we attempt it first?” she stated. “I’d hate to undertake a program after which be the rationale that college students are failing.”
Board members stated round six or seven faculties would doubtless have the ability to see an implementation of the brand new curriculum subsequent 12 months. Board President Misty Odenweller stated it might take multiple 12 months to implement the curriculum throughout the district.
“We would want to have our instructing and studying division and and others work with the (Texas Training Company) on this implementation and the planning of how it might roll out,” Odenweller stated. “So it wouldn’t be a district-wide rollout.”
Houston Public Media’s Adam Zuvanich contributed to this report.
