Texas’s new Bluebonnet curriculum will bring many changes to education in the state. How will those changes impact our teachers and students?

From Texas Scorecard. Today, the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) made a significant decision by approving the Bluebonnet curriculum, a move that will have a lasting impact on the state’s educational landscape. While this decision has sparked considerable debate, it represents an important step forward in addressing the challenges facing our education system and in preserving the historical and cultural foundations that have shaped our nation. As both a parent and a concerned Texan, I commend this bold initiative, believing that the Bluebonnet curriculum will better prepare our students and teachers for future success.

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However, this decision is not without controversy. The inclusion of biblical texts and Christian themes in the curriculum has raised concerns, particularly around the role of religion in public education. While some view this as a positive step in honoring cultural values, it naturally leads to questions about how faith-based content aligns with the principles of separation of church and state. As a parent, my concerns extend beyond traditional subjects like math or history, focusing instead on the broader implications this curriculum may have for our children’s education and the values it promotes.

Anytime religion is introduced into a public school curriculum, controversy is inevitable. However, it’s important to recognize the foundation and intent of the Bluebonnet curriculum. This is a classical education approach, a model that has been proven to work. Classical education emphasizes critical thinking, logic, and a well-rounded understanding of literature, history, and philosophy, often incorporating texts like the Bible to explore their historical and cultural significance.

The State of Education in Texas

With only 20 to 50 percent of Texas students performing at grade level, this is completely unacceptable. Whatever is currently in place within our education system is clearly not working. We owe it to our children to develop something better—something that can improve academic outcomes across the state and provide every student with a solid foundation for success.

On Monday, I had the opportunity to voice my concerns with public comments at the State Board of Education, sharing my testimony in favor of the Bluebonnet curriculum. I represent anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 people here in Texas, and the message from them is clear: We need change, and we need it now. It’s unacceptable by any standard to have more than 50 percent of our kids failing to meet grade-level expectations. This is not just a statistic—it’s a crisis, and it demands immediate action.

Understanding Our Roots

It’s also critical to understand that the Texas Education Code 28.002 already requires public schools to teach content from both the Old Testament and the New Testament. This isn’t a new idea—it’s an acknowledgment of our nation’s heritage. The United States was founded on Judeo-Christian values, and Texas is no exception. These values have shaped our history, laws, and culture.

If the Bluebonnet curriculum leans more toward Christianity, then it reflects these historical truths. We are a Christian nation, and it’s important for students to have an opportunity to engage with these foundational texts in an academic setting.

Supporting Teachers and Students

Another significant benefit of the Bluebonnet curriculum is that it comes with fully developed lesson plans for teachers. This feature is a game-changer, saving teachers valuable time and reducing the overwhelming stress they often face.

It’s no secret that teachers are overworked, balancing the demands of their classrooms during the day and spending countless hours at home creating lesson plans late into the night—sometimes until 10, 11, or even midnight. This workload is not only unfair but also unsustainable. By providing ready-made lesson plans, the Bluebonnet curriculum allows educators to focus on what truly matters: teaching and connecting with their students.

This approach benefits students as well. By alleviating the burden on teachers, we create a more supportive environment where educators can thrive, and students receive the high-quality education they deserve. Every child in Texas should have access to the tools and resources needed for success, and every teacher should have the support they need to do their jobs effectively.

A Vision for the Future of Texas

Texas has always been a leading state across the United States. Our history of innovation and leadership sets the standard for others to follow. It is only fitting that we offer the best curriculum to our public school system, ensuring the next generation thrives in a fast-moving world.

We need a curriculum that inspires students to create, innovate, and achieve. The Bluebonnet curriculum can play a pivotal role in preparing students to become the engineers, professors, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and other professionals who will drive our state’s and nation’s future success. It has the potential to spark the imagination of students, inspiring them to believe they can achieve more.

Moving Forward

The Bluebonnet curriculum represents an opportunity to revitalize public education, honor our nation’s heritage, and support both students and teachers. While controversy is unavoidable, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture: improving outcomes for our children and ensuring every student in Texas has access to a quality education.

As I said in my testimony earlier this week, we cannot accept the current state of education. The time for change is now. Our children deserve better, our teachers deserve better, and Texas deserves better. By implementing a curriculum that works, supports educators, and prepares students for the future, we can ensure our state continues to lead the way in innovation, education, and success for generations to come.

What do you think of the new Bluebonnet curriculum? Share your thoughts and prayers below.

This article was originally published at Texas Scorecard. Republished with the author’s permission. Photo Credit: Ivan Aleksic on Unsplash.