Texas Board reviews Bluebonnet mathematics curriculum adopted by 350 districts statewide

A significant discussion unfolded during the Special Called Session on April 16, 2025, as Texas education leaders reviewed the impact of the Bluebonnet mathematics curriculum. This resource, which has evolved from an open educational platform since February 2019, has been piloted in six districts, including Angleton, Burleson, Midland, Houston, Fort Worth, and Rio Grande ISD.

The board highlighted promising data from three of these districts—Fort Worth, Houston, and Rio Grande—showing improvements in student performance in third, fourth, and fifth grades. Despite a national trend of declining math scores, these districts reported gains, particularly Rio Grande, which saw an increase in fifth-grade meets from 40 to 42.

As of the latest update, over 350 districts statewide have adopted the Bluebonnet curriculum, with 17 in Region 4 alone, representing about 40% of the region's districts. This widespread adoption underscores the curriculum's growing acceptance among educators.

Trustee Adams expressed initial concerns about the procurement process but acknowledged the curriculum's alignment with educational standards and its potential benefits for students. The curriculum is designed to provide differentiated instruction, allowing teachers to tailor their approach to meet individual student needs. It also includes embedded assessments aligned with state testing, enhancing its relevance in the classroom.

The board's discussions emphasized the importance of a curriculum that balances conceptual understanding with procedural skills, enabling teachers to spend more time developing students' foundational knowledge. The excitement surrounding the Bluebonnet curriculum reflects a collective commitment to improving math education in Texas, with educators eager to see its long-term impact on student learning outcomes.