TX textbook decision on evolution theory may change schoolbooks around the US

[rainbow4321]

According to a local report, since school book publishers' largest customer is the State of TX, they were waiting to see what decision would be made because what goes in the TX science books will most likely be going into school biology books around the US.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/012309dntexevolution.1d0cd401.html

Texas education board votes to drop evolution 'weaknesses' from science curriculum


In a major defeat for evolution critics, a sharply divided State Board of Education voted Thursday to follow the advice of a panel of science educators and drop a long-time requirement that "weaknesses" in the theory of evolution be taught in high school science classes.

Under the science curriculum standards tentatively adopted by the board, biology teachers and biology textbooks would no longer have to cover the "strengths and weaknesses" of Charles Darwin's theory on how humans evolved.

The key vote Thursday was on an amendment to the proposed curriculum standards that would have restored the "weaknesses" rule. It was defeated on a 7-7 vote, with four Democrats and three Republicans voting no. Another Democrat was absent.

"We're not talking about faith. We're not talking about religion," said board member Mary Helen Berlanga, D-Corpus Christi, who opposed the amendment. "We're talking about science. We need to stay with our experts and respect what they have requested us to do."

[CTyankee]

1. Can't this be appealed? Surely, we cannot let this stand for the rest of the country.

I am appalled.

[kristopher]

4. Perhaps you should reread the article.

They are going to teach evolution as it is supposed to be taught. They are throwing out the "questions" about evolution that the fundies have worked to get included.

[NeedleCast]

11. Psssst! We won...

[Sabriel]

2. Finally, some good news

Looks like they see the writing on the wall in terms of the New World Order.

[donco6]

3. We already cover the strengths and weaknesses.

We just don't teach that man and dinosaurs lived at the same time, like the fundies want you to believe. Nothing will be good enough for those Luddites.

[DCKit]

10. No doubt the "weaknesses" of evolution were amplified...

without the same standards being applied to intelligent design.

[donco6]

12. I'm sure it was really designed to allow . . .

. . . the more religion-controlled school districts to introduce all sorts of opposition statements in their curriculum. As well as influencing what goes into the Biology textbooks, since they will be forced to follow the curriculum. Now with the change, they'll be free to leave stuff out if they want. But I'd bet the weakness stuff in the texts wasn't that bad. It was all the EXTRA stuff some districts threw in that would be really bad.

[theoldman]

5. This is great news.

It is ridiculous to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Darwin's theory on evolution. Darwin's theory is very outdated. Now we have knowledge of DNA which is not a theory. It is also very accurate and gives a good record of past history. I have always thought it was totally stupid to let students decide what is right or wrong. Why have a teacher if the students already know the answer.

[chollybocker]

6. Let there be light

in Texas. Now to remove creationism from alongside.

[Wiley50]

7. The Texas Schoolbook industry has been fucking this country since 11/22/63 n/t

[proud patriot]

8. that's refreshing

:)

[Ilsa]

9. Atta girl, Mary Helen Berlanga! She's a wonderful lady. nt

[Arugula Latte]

13. Wow. The good news just keeps on coming.

Have I entered another dimension or something?