Where's the evidence of leadership in the promotion of scientific teaching
from Bush or Cheney?
The poll results above demonstrate that even without the effects of the
current movement by fundamentalist christians to alter the curriculum
emphasis and content that will be taught in public schools, a surprising number of adults held believes about creation and evolution that differed
sharply from those of 95 percent of scientists. Do a search on google for
the term "creationist geologists", your research will surprise you. This
Timothy Lahaye rapture theme hardcover book, "Glorious Appearing: The End of Days (Left Behind #12)" is the 423rd best seller at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0842332359/qid%3D1099255285/102-8877083-1427363">http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0842332359/qid%3D1099255285/102-8877083-1427363</a>
Jimmy Carter protested a plan earlier this year by the Georgia State education
commissioner to drop the word "evolution" from public school curriculum:
Quote:
<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,109939,00.html">http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,109939,00.html</a>
Georgia School Official Wants No 'Evolution'
Friday, January 30, 2004
ATLANTA — The state's school superintendent has proposed striking the word evolution (search) from Georgia's science curriculum and replacing it with the phrase "biological changes over time."
The change, which drew criticism from both liberals and conservatives, is included in more than 800 pages of draft revisions to Georgia's curriculum that have been posted by the Department of Education on its Web site. The middle and high school standards are expected to be voted on by the state Board of Education in May, after public comments.
Superintendent Kathy Cox said the concept of evolution would still be taught under the proposal, but the word would not be used in the curriculum. The proposal would not require schools to buy new textbooks omitting the word evolution and would not prevent teachers from using it.
Cox, a Republican elected to the post in 2002, repeatedly referred to evolution as a "buzzword" Thursday and said the ban was proposed, in part, to alleviate pressure on teachers in socially conservative areas where parents object to its teaching.
"If teachers across this state, parents across this state say, 'This is not what we want,' then we'll change it," Cox said.
Educators and legislators criticized the proposal, saying science teachers understand the theories behind evolution and how to teach them.
"Here we are, saying we have to improve standards and improve education, and we're just throwing a bone to the conservatives with total disregard to what scientists say," said state Rep. Bob Holmes, a Democrat.
Former President Jimmy Carter (search) had harsh words for the change on Friday, calling it an embarrassment and saying it exposes the state to nationwide ridicule.
"As a Christian, a trained engineer and scientist, and a professor at Emory University (search), I am embarrassed by Superintendent Kathy Cox's attempt to censor and distort the education of Georgia's students," Carter said in a statement.
Social conservatives who prefer religious creation to be taught instead of evolution criticized the proposal as well.
"If you're teaching the concept without the word, what's the point?" said Rep. Bobby Franklin, a Republican. "It's stupid. It's like teaching gravity without using the word gravity."
Carter, a Baptist and Democrat who had served as Georgia governor before he was elected president in 1976, said that existing references to evolution in Georgia's curriculum have done nothing to damage religious faith in the state.
Cox spokesman Kirk Englehardt said the superintendent was reviewing Carter's statement Friday morning and did not have an immediate response.
|
And.....in Kansas:
Quote:
<a href="http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascitystar/news/politics/10032772.htm?1c">http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascitystar/news/politics/10032772.htm?1c</a>
....Robert Meissner of Topeka, who is challenging Bill Wagnon of Topeka, says he is keeping an open mind about what Kansas students should learn in science classes regarding the origin of life. Wagnon says he believes the teaching should be limited to evolution.
On funding, Meissner hopes state dollars for schools can increase without a tax increase or with “as little of a tax increase as possible.'' Wagnon says that he would favor a tax increase if that's what it takes to educate every student adequately.
Meissner, a Republican, has 12 years of experience as a member of a suburban school district in Topeka. Wagnon is seeking his third term on the state board. Tuesday's winner will represent District 4, which includes Shawnee and Wabaunsee counties and parts of Douglas and Osage counties.
The board's 10 members serve four-year terms. Half of them are up for re-election every two years. The only board member up this year from the Kansas City area is Sue Gamble of Shawnee. She has no opposition, along with Carol Rupe of Wichita. Incumbent Steve Abrams of Arkansas City was re-elected in the August primary. Also in the primary, newcomer Kathy Martin of Clay Center beat incumbent Bruce Wyatt of Salina.
The teaching of evolution has been an issue for the board for years. In 1999, conservative Republicans succeeded in downplaying evolution in the state science standards. In 2001, after a bloc of moderate Republicans and Democrats gained control, the board reversed the vote.
With Martin's election, observers believe conservatives will have the votes to make some change in the teaching of theories of origins.
|