Teaching Evolution In Florida Schools (or not).
Posted by Catherine Morgan on February 21, 2008
Teaching Evolution In Florida Schools - by Catherine Morgan (cross-posted at Care2 Election Blog)
It seems odd (if not shocking) that the word “evolution” has never been written in a science book in Florida, and the teaching of evolution has never been part of the curriculum. Even with all the controversy over evolution vs. creation, I just always assumed that evolution was being taught in science class. That’ll teach me to “assume” anything again. But, on Tuesday, the State Board of Education voted to require Florida schools to teach evolution. So, you might think that this is the end of the story? Not so fast.
The State Board of Education was actually split in their decision, it was passed with a 4-3 vote. So three of seven people on the BOARD OF EDUCATION don’t even believe evolution should be taught in school? What? What kind of school board wants to limit the education of students? And then, there is the “wording” that will be used to update the science books. Some say the wording is meant to minimize evolution, in order to avoid teaching it as fact. Others are saying that the board was “tricked” into passing this, believing that the wording was supporting creationism and not evolution? So, where does that leave Florida students? You can decide for yourself, let’s take a closer look…
From the Associated Press
Florida’s public school science standards for the first time will use the word “evolution,” although the biological concept already was being taught under code words such as “change over time.” The new standards, part of a set of overall science changes adopted by the State Board of Education Tuesday on a 4-3 vote, require schools to spend more class time on evolution and teach it in more detail.
From the Orlando Sentinel
A bitter debate over how to teach evolution in Florida’s public schools ended — at least temporarily — with a compromise Tuesday. The state Board of Education voted 4-3 in Tallahassee to adopt new science standards that for the first time require evolution to be taught.
The majority selected a last-minute alternative rather than the original document created by scientists and science teachers after months of work.
That compromise, introduced late last week, inserts the phrase “the scientific theory of” in front of evolution and certain other concepts.
Opponents, who disliked both options, plan to shift their fight to the state Legislature.
Also from the Orlando Sentinel
At stake is the ability of our students to compete with students across the world on an equal playing field. Currently our state science standards receive failing grades both nationally and internationally.
Unfortunately, those with the most to gain through stronger science education are the most vocal opponents of the proposed standards. The facts are that the proposed standards are similar to those of every high-performing state and country whose students currently compete against the students of Florida for spots in the best universities in the country. It is also a fact that as we seek new industry and higher paying jobs for the citizens of Florida we compete against states that produce students with a more rigorous understanding of science.
My friend Kay B. Day, at Covering Florida, was kind enough to share with me her feelings on this issue. Here is what she had to say…
My attitude is teach it all, but frame it in the proper context. Evolution is a widely accepted theory and naturally it belongs in a science class, but I think a scholar, regardless of age, should be allowed to question anything s/he wants to. I do think there’s possibility for framing a discussion of intelligent design, as long as you frame it as a religious explanation, and frankly, I’d love to see all major religions included in that discussion. After all, most kids have some knowledge of creation from whatever faith they’ve been brought up in. Don’t you think they’ll have questions and ideas that can be addressed in lively, useful debate? As a freethinker, I don’t like to see creative exploration impeded. As a practicalist, I’ve come to realize that many scientific theories as well as many religious interpretations have changed over time. Consider the changes in science–from our usage of drugs and from our disasters like Thalidomide. Consider the changes in religion–now parables are often ascribed to myth, even by the devout. Bear in mind you’re talking to someone who is a rabid proponent of freedom of speech, even more of freedom of thought.
This is from Wired Science - Evolution Wins
Until now, Florida’s schools weren’t required to teach evolution. The old curriculum guidelines didn’t even mention it by name.
That state education officials would approve the new standards was not a foregone conclusion. Since last November, 12 county school boards passed resolutions calling for classroom evolution to be balanced by “alternatives” — a polite euphemism for religiously orthodox explanations of life. The resolutions were non-binding, but raised fears that that the Board of Education would try to duck controversy by diluting the new standards.
Apart from being illegal, teaching creationism as science is a very bad idea. Students may not be permanently scarred by failing to learn about evolution at an early age — though the National Academy of Science would surely disagree — but, they’re bound to be stunted if told that evolution and creationism are even remotely equivalent in any scientific sense.
Yesterday’s decision is thus great news for Florida — and perhaps for the nation. Had Florida backed down, Texas — where a pro-evolution science education official was fired last year, and a curriculum revision is scheduled later this year — might have followed suit. Together they exert enough purchasing power to drag the nation’s textbook manufacturers with them, science be damned.
Truth, Justice, and the American Way
The creationist ignoramuses on the Florida Board of Education officially upheld evolution yesterday when they voted to approve “the scientific theory of evolution” as the “the fundamental concept underlying all of biology.” Presumably, they thought that the inclusion of the word “theory” is a slight to science - demonstrating an utter ignorance of the scientific process. In the battle against theocracy, this episode reinforces the lesson that a proper epistemology is more desperately needed than knowledge of any particular theory. Hopefully, students will now learn the meaning of “scientific theory” in addition to evolution.
The “academic freedom proposal” means Florida students are free to be confused — or hoodwinked– into thinking evolution is just a theory, as in a guess, or one of many equally valid guesses.
Those students already earn dismally low scores on science achievement in comparison to students from other states and countries — and their chances to improve just got worse.
So, what do you think? Are you surprised that evolution isn’t being taught in some schools? Do you think it is in the best interest of students to learn about evolution? I hope you’ll let me know how you feel about this issue in comments.
In addition, this is a complicated issue that spans even further than Florida. The issue of separation of church and state is an important one, and one that has become more and more “blurred” over the last seven years. For that reason, I have already begun working on a follow-up to this post. Once I am finished I will update this post with a link to the new one.
Posted in America, Care2, Christianity, GOP, current events, debate, democrats, education, elections, government, news, news and politics, opinion, political, politics, science, thoughts | 3 Comments »
