Re: Texas: Returning creationism to classes is debated

On Nov 21, 9:17 am, "\(M\)-adman" <g...@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Jason Spaceman wrote:
From the article:
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AUSTIN -- Some say it's injecting religion into the classroom. Others
argue it's a matter of academic freedom.

Whether creationism has a place in science classrooms was the subject
of intense debate Wednesday at a State Board of Education meeting. The
board is reviewing new curriculum guidelines for science courses in
Texas schools and will vote next year on standards for textbooks.

"We're not putting religion in books; we're talking about academic
freedom," said Ken Mercer, a board member from San Antonio.

Current science guidelines contain a requirement that students learn
both the strengths and weaknesses of scientific theories such as
evolution. In September, teachers and experts working on the new
guidelines recommended removing that requirement.

When the requirement reappeared in a draft of the new guidelines this
week, critics of teaching creationism were alarmed and worried that it
could pave the way for supernatural explanations instead of evolution
in science classrooms.

"It's like arguing that there are weaknesses or alternatives to
gravity or that maybe Earth doesn't really revolve around the sun
after all," said Kathy Miller, president of the Texas Freedom Network,
a group that supports public education and freedom of religion. "And
the price for dumbing down the science curriculum will be paid by
Texas kids."

But proponents of the requirement to teach strengths and weaknesses
said not allowing the discussion of creationism as a theory for life
would stifle and repress students. And, they argued, it was not a
matter of religion but of academic freedom.

"All this hysteria has no basis in fact," said Terri Leo, a board
member from the Houston area. She added that part of scientific
learning should involve critical analysis of various theories.
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Read it athttp://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_11027402?source=most_emailed

All of this is nonsense.

Keep science in the science class and religion in the religion class and
kick evolution out since it is neither science or religion.

Evolutionary biology *is* science, whether or not you want it to be.

Problem solved.

No. The problem with poor science education in America remains. The
problem with Creationist authors who perputuate ignorance remains.


.

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