Monday, October 7, 2013

Fact or Fiction?

Publishers producing high school biology text books to be used in classrooms across Texas have been pressured to water down lessons on evolution and climate change.

The State Board of Education has considered new science books that could be used in Texas public schools for ten years. But board members rely on citizen review committees that can raise objections before the approval process begins.

Some reviewers had objections that were ideological in nature. One reviewer said, “As an educator, parent and grand-parent, I firmly feel that “creation science” based on Biblical principles should be incorporated in every Biology book being considered.” Others questioned if global warming is based on scientific fact.

Kathy Miller, president of Texas Freedom Network, a nonprofit agency that monitors the State Board of Education said, “What our kids learn in public schools should be based on mainstream, established science, not the personal views of ideologues, especially those who are grossly unqualified to evaluate a Biology textbook in the first place.” Watch out, Kathy, in Texas “ideologues” and “unqualified” are fightin’ words.

Texas has more than 1,000 school districts so publishers often make suggested changes in textbooks. These changes sometimes affect classroom materials sold in other states.

In 2011, the Texas Legislature approved a law that allows school districts to purchase any instructional materials they choose. Many districts, however, won’t consider materials not approved by the board for fear they may not meet state curriculum standards.

Miller commented, “Once again, culture warriors on the state board are putting Texas at risk of becoming a national laughingstock on science education.”

That’s strong words from a person of authority. Are they fact or fiction?

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