Fla. State Board May Label Evolution Standards As ‘Theory’
2/17/2008 – 1:15 amTALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The words “scientific theory of” may be placed in front of the term “evolution” in proposed new science standards the State Board of Education is scheduled to vote on Tuesday. The option of applying that label to all scientific theories mentioned in the new standards will be offered to the board as a possible compromise, Department of Education spokesman Tom Butler said Friday.
Update: Feb 20, 2008 - Evolution Controversy Settled, In Theory
Last week, the Florida Department of Education introduced the words “scientific theory” to the description of evolution as a compromise for those against the standards.
I recall this strategy didn’t work out too well for the Wisconsin school board which tried to adopt this policy. They had placed stickers on text books with the words “just a theory.” However, it is commendable that the text of the Florida science statement is so clear in its support of the important place Evolution has in biological sciences.
Second Update: Mar 3, 2008 - Will the battle on science and evolution move to the Florida Legislature?
In an attempt to defy the newly approved state science standards, Florida Senator Rhonda Storms has proposed a bill that would allow teachers to contradict the teaching of evolution. Her bill states that ‘Every public school teacher in the state’s K-12 school system shall have the affirmative right and freedom to objectively present scientific information relevant to the full range of scientific views regarding biological and chemical evolution in connection with teaching any prescribed curriculum regarding chemical or biological origins.’ The bill’s main focus is on protecting teachers who want to adopt alternative teaching plans from sanction, and to allow teachers the freedom to teach whatever they wish, even if it is in opposition to current standards.
