Today the Texas School Board of Education took its final vote on Texas science curriculum standards.
Cynthia Dunbar Bob Craig & Tincy Miller demonstrated their statesmanship in their recommendations to update and some are even saying improving the TEKS by adding the words critique & examine all sides.
An SBOE appointed panel of scientists and teachers from across the state of Texas proposed earlier this year that the current strengths and weaknesses" clause be removed from the curriculum standards. The change was recommended due at least in part to recent criticism from scientists over the intent of such language.
The amended language meant to appease both the scientific community and evolution skeptics reads that students are encouraged to analyze and evaluate strengths and limitations of scientific theories.
Seven of the fifteen SBOE members favor returning to the twenty-year old strengths and weaknesses language. Amidst public outcry on both sides hearings continued into today when the final vote took place.
This morning board member Cynthia Dunbar proposed a final amendment to the new analyze and evaluate language. After slight language amendments (to Dunbars amendment) from Bob Craig and Barbara Gargill the Board passed the final TEKS language regarding science curriculum.
The final amendment passed 13-2 with Mary Helen Berlanga and Rene Nunez voting no and reads as follows:
In all fields of science analyze evaluate and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence logical reasoning and experimental and observational testing including examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations so as to encourage critical thinking by the student."
Members reiterated that the Board was doing in everything in its power to appease both sides and that no ones intent was to indoctrinate students an accusation made by both scientists and evolution skeptics throughout the process.
Today the Texas School Board of Education took its final vote on Texas science curriculum standards.
Cynthia Dunbar Bob Craig & Tincy Miller demonstrated their statesmanship in their recommendations to update and some are even saying improving the TEKS by adding the words critique & examine all sides.
An SBOE appointed panel of scientists and teachers from across the state of Texas proposed earlier this year that the current strengths and weaknesses" clause be removed from the curriculum standards. The change was recommended due at least in part to recent criticism from scientists over the intent of such language.
The amended language meant to appease both the scientific community and evolution skeptics reads that students are encouraged to analyze and evaluate strengths and limitations of scientific theories.
Seven of the fifteen SBOE members favor returning to the twenty-year old strengths and weaknesses language. Amidst public outcry on both sides hearings continued into today when the final vote took place.
This morning board member Cynthia Dunbar proposed a final amendment to the new analyze and evaluate language. After slight language amendments (to Dunbars amendment) from Bob Craig and Barbara Gargill the Board passed the final TEKS language regarding science curriculum.
The final amendment passed 13-2 with Mary Helen Berlanga and Rene Nunez voting no and reads as follows:
In all fields of science analyze evaluate and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence logical reasoning and experimental and observational testing including examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations so as to encourage critical thinking by the student."
Members reiterated that the Board was doing in everything in its power to appease both sides and that no ones intent was to indoctrinate students an accusation made by both scientists and evolution skeptics throughout the process.
