Despite significant public opposition, the Texas Board of Education has approved the “Bluebonnet Learning K-5 Reading Language Arts” curriculum. Critics argue the curriculum heavily promotes a Christian nationalist worldview and lacks effective reading instruction. Concerns focus on reduced student-centered reading time and replacing interactive practices with didactic lessons.
Teachers and Historians Critique Content
Experienced educators like Francine Erickson criticized the curriculum for halving reading practice time and focusing on cultural literacy deemed essential by its authors. Lessons include religiously infused accounts of historical events, such as attempts to convert Native Americans and omit balanced perspectives. Julia Brookins of the American Historical Association highlighted widespread inaccuracies in the history sections, including sanitized depictions of slavery and distorted portrayals of civil rights figures.
Religious Overtones Spark Outrage
The curriculum incorporates overt Christian theological narratives, including teachings from the Sermon on the Mount and the story of the Good Samaritan. Biblical characters are presented alongside historical figures, creating confusion about the Bible’s role as a historical text. Critics argue that this approach undermines secular education standards and constitutional principles that separate the church and the state.
Legal and Ethical Concerns Loom
Supporters of the curriculum, including Christian nationalist groups, argue that teaching Christian values is essential for moral education. Opponents see the curriculum as a blatant attempt to indoctrinate students into a specific religious ideology. The Texas government incentivizes districts to adopt the curriculum with a $60-per-student subsidy, raising ethical concerns about state funding for religiously aligned materials.
Legal Challenges Expected
The curriculum will likely face legal challenges under the First Amendment, which prohibits government establishment of religion. Local school districts will soon vote on its adoption, potentially setting the stage for a landmark court case.
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Here’s why the new Texas school curriculum is so very, very bad
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