You got people with no knowledge of science or scientific method deciding what to teach your kids about science.
Teaching of Darwin initiates debate
State panel proposes evolution for curriculum
By Bill Cotterell
news-press.com Tallahassee bureau
Originally posted on January 10, 2008TALLAHASSEE — The final stage in the evolution of a new public-school science curriculum began Wednesday as a panel of teachers, administrators and other experts on learning began three days of sessions on education topics.
The proposed new science standards, which would teach Charles Darwin's evolution theory as the foundation of modern biology, have been favorably received by teachers and scientists.
However, in four public hearings and thousands of postings on a Department of Education Web site dedicated to public comment, many parents and other observers have objected that the teachings should include faith-based theories of creation.
There are twelve school boards that have actually passed resolutions against teaching evolution as a fact.
"I understand there are people who believe (evolution), but I would be happier to see them at least present both sides and teach it as theory, as opposed to a fact," Stilson said. "It is just as scientific to believe in intelligent design as it is to believe in evolution."
No.
She said the 1996 standards, being superceded by the new work, taught "biological change over time." She said the new standard "explicitly includes evolution."
Tappen said the argument broke down three ways in most of the public testimony: including evolution, lumping it among other theories, or excluding it from the curriculum.
I've looked over the proposed curriculum because I'm pretty well convinced that a proper understanding of science and the scientific method would make the students reject all that swill. I wanted to see where the diversion began and how it is managed. I'm still putting together how to explain it; for now I'll say it involves slicing the indoctrination into steps that sound reasonable individually.
But don't wait for me. Florida is teaching its children how to ignore science. Get your kids out of there before it's too late.
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Why don't those of us who
Why don't those of us who believe that Darwin's theory of evolution is scientifically correct take these creationists fanatics (and they are fanatics) up on their challenge and begin demanding that creationist teachings not be confined exclusively to the explanation offered in the Book of Genesis. The Navajo people, for example, have a creation story that is as valid or true, if you will, as the one being insisted on by Christian fundamentalists in this country. There are literally hundreds of creation stories to be found among the world's peoples that are no less true or valid than what appears in the Christians' Bible.