The latest on the Florida fight over the use of the actual word "evolution" in the classroom. (Or, more specifically, in the science standards)
A panel of education experts just wrapped up three days of meetings at the state Department of Education to hammer out new standards. The state Board of Education will have the final say next month.The way science is taught in Florida public school classrooms could soon change. Right now, the state science curriculum uses the words "biological changes over time" instead of "evolution".
Biology teacher Nicholas Daigle believes the current standards shortchange students.
"It's very hard to teach good biological science without mentioning evolution. It's one of the basic underpinnings of modern biological science.
A panel of more than 50 educators met over the past three days to hammer out the finishing touches on the new science standards.
Since work began on the new standards last May, the state Department of Education has heard from more than 10,000 people. ...
The State Board of Education will vote on the new standards on February 19th....
Comments
The clue is that "50 educators met.. on new science standards". Educators are paid to tow the party line and teach what they are mandated to teach. This does not portend to a balanced, impartial assessment. It is called "job security", akin to the fox tending the hen house.
How can Daigle make a case for shortchanging students when the revised standards would give them a better understanding of an important contemporary controversy that would only provide them with a real lfe learning experience and the luxury of being a participant.
Posted by: Ronald Cote | January 12, 2008 12:51 PM