Canutillo ISD adopts STEMScopes math for K–Algebra I, board rejects Bluebonnet
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Summary
After a lengthy debate about evidence, training and costs, the Canutillo ISD Board voted to adopt STEMScopes K–Algebra I and rejected a separate motion to adopt Bluebonnet Learning. Trustees and administration cited interim test declines, teacher surveys, and Region 19 implementation support.
The Canutillo Independent School District Board of Trustees voted March 24 to adopt STEMScopes as the district math instructional material for kindergarten through Algebra I and declined a separate proposal to adopt Bluebonnet Learning.
The decision followed a three‑hour discussion by trustees, administrators and Region 19 representatives about interim assessment results, teacher feedback and implementation capacity. Superintendent Dr. Jose Borrego told the board the district’s overall accountability score had dropped to about 78, and said the district needed to take steps now to improve outcomes. “We’re outcomes‑based organization. Our students can’t wait,” he said.
Administration and Region 19 presented a comparison showing both products are listed as high‑quality instructional materials and estimated per‑student allocations the state provides. Presenters said both options cost roughly the same at the scale presented (about $220,000 for materials and kits for K–Algebra I), with Bluebonnet offering an additional per‑student allotment in some funding lines. The administration also provided teacher survey results they said showed a split preference: about 47% favored STEMScopes, 37% favored Bluebonnet and 15% had no preference.
Trustees voiced sharply different views. Trustee Borrego said she opposed Bluebonnet because, in her view, “there’s no evidence for Bluebonnet…there’s no efficacy studies,” and warned that highly scripted curricula can undermine teacher autonomy. Several trustees urged that the district instead invest in training and coaching to ensure fidelity with STEMScopes, arguing the curriculum had not yet been given sufficient time to produce results.
Region 19 representative Lillian Frazier said Bluebonnet is a distinct, state‑vetted product built from practitioner feedback and that the service center could provide implementation and training support. “Bluebonnet is not Eureka math,” she told the board, and described supplemental assessment banks and supports intended to help teachers align instruction to STAAR‑style items.
Trustee Armando Rodriguez made the successful motion to adopt STEMScopes; Trustee Maldonado seconded. The adoption passed on a roll call vote with seven yes votes (Barnes, Borrego, Maldonado, Martinez, Ortega, Rodriguez, Zuniga).
Trustee Barnes then moved to adopt Bluebonnet Learning and Trustee Ortega seconded, but that motion failed on roll call (three yes, four no). Board discussion preceding the votes emphasized implementation resources and the tradeoffs between a scripted, highly scaffolded curriculum designed for consistency and maintaining teacher autonomy and enrichment options.
The board’s discussion also covered costs and logistics: administrators said print costs and kit purchases would be needed, but Region 19 offered to provide training support; trustees pressed for clarity on the budget offsets and whether additional local funds or federal Title IV funds would be used for kits and materials.
Votes at a glance
- Adoption of STEMScopes (Item 4a): Motion by Trustee Armando Rodriguez; seconded by Trustee Maldonado. Roll call: Barnes — Yes; Borrego — Yes; Maldonado — Yes; Martinez — Yes; Ortega — Yes; Rodriguez — Yes; Zuniga — Yes. Outcome: Approved.
- Adoption of Bluebonnet Learning (Item 4b): Motion by Trustee Barnes; seconded by Trustee Ortega. Roll call: Barnes — Yes; Borrego — No; Maldonado — No; Martinez — No; Ortega — Yes; Rodriguez — No; Uniga — Yes. Outcome: Failed.
What happens next
Administrators said they will move forward with implementation planning for STEMScopes, including professional development and ways to use supplemental tools for intervention and enrichment. Region 19 representatives said they would partner on training and rollout supports. The district’s math instructional coordinator and administrative team will provide follow‑up timelines and implementation details to the board.
