Tag

Curriculum

All articles tagged with #curriculum

UT System Tightens Classroom Topics, Sparking Academic-Freedom Fears
education7 days ago

UT System Tightens Classroom Topics, Sparking Academic-Freedom Fears

The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved a policy to curb 'controversial topics' in courses, requiring faculty to avoid coercion, not include unrelated controversial matters in syllabi, and to follow the syllabus while promoting balanced discussion and academic integrity. While officials say the goal is to foster trust and expose students to multiple viewpoints, critics warn it could curb responses to current events, hamper inquiry, and lead to censorship, with enforcement details still unclear across 14 UT institutions. The move follows broader Texas higher-ed restrictions on curricula related to race and gender, and comes as UT Austin consolidates several ethnic- and gender-studies departments.

UT System Sets Rules to Minimize 'Controversial' Topics in Courses
higher-education8 days ago

UT System Sets Rules to Minimize 'Controversial' Topics in Courses

UT System Regents unanimously approved a rule requiring universities to ensure graduates can finish programs without studying “unnecessary controversial subjects,” and to have syllabi disclose covered topics with a mandate for a broad, balanced discussion. Critics warn the vague terms could push self-censorship and leave students less prepared for real-world work, and civil-rights advocates warn of potential legal challenges and bias against Black students and faculty. The policy does not ban topics like race or gender but increases oversight amid broader campus reforms and state guidance under Senate Bill 37 and related changes.

Black Homeschoolers Fight Racist and Misleading Curricula
education7 months ago

Black Homeschoolers Fight Racist and Misleading Curricula

Black home schoolers are creating and advocating for more inclusive curricula to combat racist and Eurocentric materials, with increased homeschooling among Black families driven by concerns over public school biases and inadequate representation, especially regarding slavery and Black history. The lack of regulation in homeschooling allows for culturally affirming education but also risks exposure to extremist content. Black families see homeschooling as a way to ensure a more accurate and empowering education for their children, often supplementing or replacing traditional curricula with their own resources.

Texas Schools to Offer Optional Bible-Based Curriculum for K-5
education1 year ago

Texas Schools to Offer Optional Bible-Based Curriculum for K-5

The Texas State Board of Education has approved a Bible-infused curriculum for kindergarten through fifth grade, offering extra funding to schools that adopt it. The decision, passed by a narrow 8-7 vote, is part of a broader Republican effort to integrate Christian teachings into public education. Critics argue it violates the separation of church and state. The curriculum, which includes lessons from Genesis, Psalms, and the New Testament, will be available from August 2025, with schools receiving $40 per student for adopting it. Similar initiatives are underway in other Republican-led states.

Texas Schools to Offer Optional Bible Curriculum for K-5
education1 year ago

Texas Schools to Offer Optional Bible Curriculum for K-5

The Texas school board has approved an optional K-5 curriculum that incorporates Bible stories, sparking controversy over religious freedom and the separation of church and state. The curriculum, developed by the Texas Education Agency, is criticized for favoring Christianity and potentially violating the First Amendment. While not mandatory, schools adopting it can receive financial incentives. Critics argue that religious education should be the responsibility of parents, not public schools, and that the curriculum's focus on Christianity excludes other faiths.

Texas Approves Optional Bible Curriculum for Elementary Schools
education1 year ago

Texas Approves Optional Bible Curriculum for Elementary Schools

The Texas State Board of Education has approved an optional Bible-infused curriculum for elementary schools, offering additional funding to those that adopt it. This move aligns with efforts in other Republican-led states to integrate religion into public education. While supporters argue that the Bible is integral to American history and culture, critics warn it may alienate students of other faiths and potentially violate the First Amendment. The curriculum, which emphasizes Christianity, could be implemented as early as next school year.

Texas Greenlights Bible-Based Curriculum for Elementary Schools
education1 year ago

Texas Greenlights Bible-Based Curriculum for Elementary Schools

The Texas State Board of Education has approved a new elementary curriculum, "Bluebonnet Learning," which includes numerous Biblical references, sparking controversy over its emphasis on Christianity. The board's narrow 8-7 vote reflects a division among its members, with critics arguing the curriculum privileges Christianity over other religions. While not mandatory, schools are incentivized to adopt it. The curriculum has faced scrutiny since its introduction, with concerns about its religious balance and accuracy, though supporters claim it offers a well-rounded education.

education1 year ago

Texas Nears Decision on Bible-Based Curriculum in Public Schools

Texas is set to vote on a proposal allowing Bible-infused lessons in public elementary schools, a move that could challenge the separation of church and state in education. The curriculum, which has sparked debate, would be optional but incentivized with additional funding. Critics argue it may alienate non-Christian students and violate the First Amendment, while supporters claim it enriches cultural literacy. This initiative follows similar efforts in other Republican-led states to integrate religious content into public education.

Texas Debates Bible-Infused Curriculum in Public Schools
education1 year ago

Texas Debates Bible-Infused Curriculum in Public Schools

The Texas State Board of Education is considering adopting the Bluebonnet curriculum, which incorporates Bible stories into public school lessons, sparking opposition from Jewish and Christian communities. Critics argue the curriculum prioritizes Christianity, inaccurately represents Jewish content, and blurs the line between church and state. The curriculum's focus on Queen Esther and other biblical narratives has raised concerns about religious favoritism and potential legal challenges. The decision, expected soon, could incentivize schools to adopt the curriculum despite its controversial nature.

Texas Moves to Introduce Bible Lessons in Elementary Schools
education1 year ago

Texas Moves to Introduce Bible Lessons in Elementary Schools

The Texas education board has preliminarily approved an optional elementary school curriculum that includes Bible-based lessons, sparking debate over the promotion of Christian beliefs in public schools. The 8-7 vote, which will be finalized on Friday, follows a bill signed by Governor Greg Abbott requiring the creation of a statewide curriculum. Supporters argue it provides a comprehensive understanding of historical events, while opponents claim it violates the separation of church and state. If approved, districts can adopt the curriculum in 2025, with incentives offered per student.

Texas Board Supports Optional Bible Lessons in K-5 Schools
education1 year ago

Texas Board Supports Optional Bible Lessons in K-5 Schools

The Texas Board of Education has preliminarily approved a proposal to incorporate Bible lessons into public school curricula for kindergarten through fifth grade, with a final vote scheduled for Friday. The decision, passed by an 8-7 vote, offers schools an additional $60 per student if they adopt the curriculum. Critics argue that the material disproportionately emphasizes Christianity, potentially violating the separation of church and state. The proposal has sparked debate, with testimony from 150 individuals and opposition from groups like the Texas Freedom Network and Texas AFT, who express concerns over religious imbalance and academic freedom.

Texas Education Board Backs Bible-Infused Curriculum for Schools
education1 year ago

Texas Education Board Backs Bible-Infused Curriculum for Schools

The Texas State Board of Education has shown preliminary support for a new state-authored elementary school curriculum, Bluebonnet Learning, which heavily incorporates biblical teachings. Critics argue it may violate the separation of church and state and marginalize non-Christian students, while supporters claim it enhances cultural literacy and understanding of U.S. history. The curriculum's approval could incentivize financially struggling districts to adopt it, despite concerns about its religious bias and historical accuracy. An official vote is expected soon, with revisions being considered in response to public and board member feedback.

Texas Education Board Considers Bible-Infused Curriculum for Public Schools
education1 year ago

Texas Education Board Considers Bible-Infused Curriculum for Public Schools

The Texas Education Board has endorsed the inclusion of Bible-based lessons in the state's public school curriculum, sparking debate over the separation of church and state. This decision is part of a broader effort to integrate religious content into educational materials, raising concerns among critics about potential violations of constitutional principles.

Texas Board to Decide on Bible Integration in School Curriculum
education1 year ago

Texas Board to Decide on Bible Integration in School Curriculum

Texas education officials are set to vote on a new public school curriculum that includes Bible lessons in K-5 reading and language arts, sparking criticism for its focus on Christianity over other religions. The curriculum, part of the Bluebonnet Learning materials, is optional and incentivized by House Bill 1605. Critics argue it violates the separation of church and state, while supporters claim it provides contextually relevant religious education. The debate highlights broader tensions over religious content in public education, with similar measures being pursued in other Republican-led states.