The Bluebonnet Learning Curriculum, recently approved for sampling by the Fort Bend ISD Board, is a state-owned educational resource available free of charge to Texas school districts. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance educational content while reducing costs for districts. The curriculum is designed to improve literacy and critical thinking skills among students, aligning with the goals set by the Texas Education Agency.
At a recent board meeting, Fort Bend ISD trustees voted 5-2 in favor of ordering a free sample set of the Bluebonnet Learning Curriculum. This decision marks the first step in evaluating the curriculum’s potential integration into the district’s existing educational framework. While the sample order does not guarantee full adoption, it allows the district to assess the curriculum’s effectiveness and compatibility with current teaching methods.
The Bluebonnet Learning Curriculum is an Open Educational Resource, meaning it is owned by the state and available at no cost to Texas school districts. This follows the passage of House Bill 1605 in 2023, which mandated that instructional materials be provided free to Texas schools. However, implementing the curriculum would incur costs for teacher and student materials, estimated at $1.6 million for the first year, with potential costs reaching $2.1 million for K-5 reading materials alone.
Despite the financial considerations, the curriculum offers a promising opportunity to enhance educational outcomes. It includes religious references, primarily related to Christianity, which has sparked some controversy. Nevertheless, the curriculum aims to improve student learning, close achievement gaps, and better support Texas teachers.