Parents concerned after Bluebonnet curriculum was spotted on HISD board agenda

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- While classrooms are quiet because of summer break, some HISD parents say they won't be silent during Thursday night's board meeting.

That's because Houston ISD is expected to discuss adopting the controversial, state-designed Bluebonnet Learning curriculum, which critics have called too "Bible-focused."

The curriculum drew attention earlier this year after thousands of errors were found in the materials. According to our partners at the Houston Chronicle, the state is now spending millions of dollars to correct them. At the time, HISD said it did not use the curriculum.

When the curriculum was developed in 2024, it faced public pushback from critics who argued it placed too much emphasis on the Bible.

Houston Federation of Teachers President Jackie Anderson says she does not believe the curriculum belongs in HISD classrooms.

"We have people of all different faiths and walks of life, and everyone should be respected. I also believe that parents should determine which religious practice will be offered to their children. And no better place for that to happen is in our homes."

While adoption of the curriculum is optional, the state says districts that use it are eligible for a financial incentive. The item was originally listed on the consent agenda but has since been pulled for separate discussion.

ABC13 asked the district why the change was made, but it has not received a response. Some parents who spoke with ABC13 off camera say they agree with the Houston Federation of Teachers and plan to voice their concerns at Thursday's meeting.

"I think they should actually listen and take what the parents have to offer into serious consideration."

According to the Texas Tribune, about one in four Texas school districts reported using some form of the curriculum last year.

In the Houston area, Splendora ISD and Conroe ISD confirmed they are among those districts. Now, some families are wondering whether Texas's largest school district will soon be added to that list.