The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) is set to vote this week on the adoption of a new, state-created curriculum known as Bluebonnet Learning, designed to comply with recent state laws emphasizing patriotism, character development, and the teaching of key historical events. The curriculum, which includes lessons on the Holocaust and the contributions of Jewish people to society, was developed in response to legislation passed in 2021 that tasked the Texas Education Agency (TEA) with creating free, high-quality, state-owned instructional materials for public schools.
This new curriculum will be available for voluntary adoption by Texas public school districts and charter schools, and while it is part of a broader effort to develop instructional resources across all grade levels and subjects, the materials up for a vote this week are limited to kindergarten through fifth-grade reading and language arts, as well as kindergarten through eighth-grade mathematics.
Curriculum Focuses on Phonics, Patriotism, and Character Development
The Bluebonnet Learning curriculum includes a rigorous focus on phonics instruction in early grades and the integration of classical literature, including works by authors like C.S. Lewis and William Shakespeare. In line with state law, the materials also emphasize patriotism, including lessons that integrate elements of American history and values across subjects, even in mathematics.
SBOE member Julie Pickren, a vocal supporter of the curriculum, defended its inclusion of patriotic themes in core subjects. "We have seen a lot of critical race theory added to even math and science curriculum over the past few years," Pickren told The Texan. "We really need to make sure that we put patriotism in all tier one subjects."
Pickren argued that topics such as NASA's contributions to space exploration and American advancements in medicine and technology demonstrate the nation's greatness and should be taught across the curriculum, including in subjects traditionally seen as neutral, like mathematics.
The reading materials also incorporate character-building lessons aimed at teaching virtues such as service above self. One example highlighted in the curriculum is the biblical story of Queen Esther, used to teach young children the value of selflessness. However, the inclusion of religious content has been a point of controversy. Critics, including some educators and parents, have raised concerns about the use of religious texts, particularly in public education.
Support for Holocaust Education, But Criticism Over Depth of Historical Coverage
The curriculum also addresses major historical topics, such as the Holocaust, slavery, and civil rights. The lessons on the Holocaust, in particular, have been praised by organizations such as the Coalition for Jewish Values and the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, & Antisemitism Advisory Commission, which have expressed support for the curriculum's inclusion of these topics.
However, some critics argue that the lessons do not sufficiently explore the historical causes of the Holocaust and fail to connect the mass murder of Jews during World War II with the history of American slavery and Jim Crow laws. Pickren, however, emphasized that the curriculum’s lessons on racism and slavery will be covered in separate civil rights units, designed to be age-appropriate for young students.
"We are talking to children who are maybe 7 or 8 years old. These are little kids, and the material has to be age-appropriate," Pickren said, noting that the goal is to ensure students understand historical events in a way that is accessible to their developmental stage.
Backlash from Public Education Groups and Lawmakers
The Bluebonnet Learning curriculum has generated pushback from some public education advocates, including Texas Rep. James Talarico (D-Round Rock), who voiced concerns during a House committee hearing over the inclusion of religious content in the curriculum. In contrast, Rep. Matt Schaefer (R-Tyler) argued that references to religious texts, such as the Ten Commandments, are justified due to Christianity’s influence on the nation's founding and its legal system.
Despite the opposition, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath defended the curriculum, stating that it is part of a broader effort to ensure that future generations are equipped to "defend our liberties" and uphold democratic values.
Next Steps
The SBOE is currently holding a series of public meetings to gather additional feedback from educators, parents, and community members. A preliminary vote on the proposed curriculum is scheduled for later this week, with a final vote expected soon after. If approved, Bluebonnet Learning will become one of the first state-developed curricula available for voluntary use by Texas school districts.
