Texas – Texas schools have adopted a new curriculum called Bluebonnet Learning, sparking conversations across classrooms, homes, and community spaces.
Developed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), this curriculum is shaping what Texas kids learn, but it’s also raising questions about how certain topics, including religious references, are presented in public schools and what that means for students every day.
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If you haven’t heard about Bluebonnet Learning yet, don’t worry. Here’s a closer look at what it is and how it’s making an impact in classrooms throughout Texas.
What is Bluebonnet Learning?
Bluebonnet Learning is a curriculum package approved by the Texas State Board of Education in November. According to the TEA, it aligns completely with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) — the state’s academic standards. The program offers daily lesson plans, student materials, and resources designed to be high-quality and appropriate for each grade level.
What does Bluebonnet Learning cover?
The curriculum provides lessons across subjects like art, history, culture, science, and technology, aiming to build broad knowledge. Some lessons include references to various religions, but only when relevant to the topic being taught.
Are there religious lessons?
No. Bluebonnet does not teach religion. Instead, it includes religious references as part of academic content, reflecting Texas law that requires schools to teach about religious literature’s impact on history and literature without promoting any belief.
Are religious references allowed in Texas public schools?
Yes. Texas law (TEC sec. 28.002) requires schools to include religious literature such as the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and the New Testament, and their impact on history and literature. Teachers must remain neutral and respectful, teaching about religion, not religion itself.
For the 2025–2026 school year, several Texas districts have adopted Bluebonnet Learning. Here’s a snapshot:
- Aldine ISD: Math Grades K-8, Algebra 1 (Approved March 18, 2025)
- Bay City ISD: Reading Language Arts, Grades K–5 (Approved March 26, 2025)
- Conroe ISD: English Language Arts and Reading, Grades K–5 (Approved April 15, 2025)
- Goose Creek ISD: English Language Arts (K–5), Math (K–Algebra I) (Approved February 17, 2025)
- Splendora ISD: Bluebonnet Math for Elementary (K–5) and Secondary (6–Algebra 1) (Approved December 16, 2024 & February 24, 2025)
- Wharton ISD: Reading Language Arts (K–5), Math (K–5), Secondary Math (Grades 6–8 and Algebra I) (Approved April 17, 2025)
Several other districts were contacted for confirmation, but have not responded as of this writing, including Barbers Hill ISD, Columbia-Brazoria ISD, New Caney ISD, and other local districts within our coverage area.
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Impact on Texas teachers and families
Bluebonnet Learning is designed to support teachers by providing ready-to-use, vetted lesson plans that meet state standards. This allows educators to focus more on teaching and responding to students’ needs rather than spending hours creating or searching for materials.
At the same time, teacher flexibility remains a priority. While the curriculum offers a structured approach, teachers retain the ability to adjust lessons to fit their classrooms and students’ unique needs.
Texas law protects teachers from being penalized if they pace the curriculum differently based on their professional judgment (Texas Education Code §28.0027(b)).
Recent reports by the Teacher Vacancy Task Force reveal that many teachers spend excessive time finding materials aligned to state standards, and Bluebonnet Learning helps reduce this workload, making teaching more manageable.
Additionally, state law (HB 1605) protects teachers from disciplinary action when using officially adopted materials properly and ensures they aren’t required to use their planning time to create lessons unless they agree.
For families, Bluebonnet provides valuable resources, including letters for each unit that explain what students will learn and how parents can support their child’s education — available in both English and Spanish.
Ultimately, Bluebonnet Learning aims to deliver high-quality, standards-aligned education while respecting teacher autonomy and encouraging family involvement.
State support and the Governor’s statement
Governor Greg Abbott has publicly endorsed Bluebonnet Learning, calling its approval “a critical step forward to bring students back to the basics of education.” In a statement, he praised the materials as high-quality.
“These transformative educational materials are voluntary and free for schools and teachers to use,” Abbott said. “And with parents also able to access these materials online, we will ensure young Texans have access to high-quality, grade-level appropriate curricula that will provide the necessary fundamentals... and boost student outcomes across Texas.”
Funding for Bluebonnet Learning
Texas funds instructional materials through the Instructional Materials and Technology Allotment (IMTA), which supports districts in purchasing curriculum resources and technology.
House Bill 1605 adds new funding specifically for State Board of Education-approved high-quality instructional materials:
- $40 per student annually for HQIM (TEC §48.307)
- An additional $20 per student for printing Open Educational Resources (OER) like Bluebonnet Learning (TEC §48.308)
Bluebonnet materials are free to download online, and the $20 helps cover printing costs for physical textbooks.
Q&A: KPRC 2 viewer questions on proposed bible curriculum
What’s next?
As of this writing, the TEA has not responded to KPRC 2’s request for information regarding its evaluation or expansion plans for Bluebonnet Learning.
We will update this article if a response is received.
