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Evolution's Critics Shift Tactics With Schools
by Wall Street Journal
Thanks to Rodrigo Vieira for the link.
Reposted from:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120967537476060561.html
Pressure Hits States
For Education Bills;
A National Push
By STEPHANIE SIMON
May 2, 2008; Page A10
They have spent years working school boards, with only minimal success. Now critics of evolution are turning to a higher authority: state legislators.
In a bid to shape biology lessons, they are promoting what they call "academic freedom" bills that would encourage or require public-school teachers to cast doubt on a cornerstone of modern science.
A handful of states have considered such bills in recent years, but backers are now organizing a national movement, with high-profile help from actor Ben Stein. His new documentary, "Expelled," argues that educators suffer reprisals if they dare question evolution; in an attempt to spur action, he has held private screenings for legislators, including a recent showing in the Missouri statehouse.
The academic-freedom bills now in circulation vary in detail. Some require teachers to critique evolution. Others let educators choose their approach -- but guarantee they won't be disciplined should they decide to build a case against Darwin.
The common goal: To expose more students to articles and videos that undercut evolution. Most of this material is produced by advocates of intelligent design or Biblical creationism, the belief that God created man in his present form.
"The creationist legal strategy has gotten more and more sophisticated," said Eugenie Scott, director of the National Center for Science Education, a nonprofit that promotes the teaching of evolution.
Both houses of the Florida legislature passed academic freedom bills this month, but it is unclear whether backers can reconcile the two versions before the spring session closes Friday. If not, they will have to try again next year. Prospects may be better in Louisiana, where the state Senate this week unanimously approved a bill ensuring that teachers can go beyond the biology textbook to raise criticisms of evolution. Similar bills have just been introduced in Alabama and Michigan and this week passed through a house committee in Missouri.
"It shouldn't be a crime for teachers to give the best evidence for evolutionary theory and then, if they want, spend a day saying, 'Some people are raising questions,'" said John West, a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute.
The nonprofit institute, based in Seattle, promotes the theory that life was created by an unknown designer, possibly divine. It recently launched a petition drive to spur more states to take up such bills.
The legislative push builds on an emerging strategy developed by conservative Christians who consider evolution ungodly and a small group of scientists who find it implausible.
Over the last decade, these skeptics tried repeatedly to push Darwin out of -- or wedge alternatives to evolution into -- public-school science curricula. Those efforts largely failed, rebuffed by the courts or rejected by voters.
So activists regrouped. Their new tactic: Embrace lessons on evolution. In fact, insist students deserve to learn more -- including classes that probe the theory for weakness. They believe -- and their opponents agree -- that this approach will prove more acceptable to the public and harder to challenge in court.
Those promoting the new bills emphasize that academic freedom doesn't mean biology teachers can read aloud from the Book of Genesis. "This doesn't bring religion into the classroom," said Florida state Rep. D. Alan Hays, a Republican.
The bills typically restrict lessons to "scientific" criticism of evolution, or require that critiques be presented "in an objective manner," or approved by a local school board.
Evolution's defenders respond that there are no credible scientific critiques of evolution, any more than there are credible alternatives to the theory of gravity. The fossil record, DNA analysis and observations of natural selection confirm Darwin's hypothesis that all life on Earth evolved from a common ancestor over four billion years.
In the scientific community, while there may be debate about the details, the grand sweep of evolution is unassailable. "There's no controversy," said Jay Labov, a senior adviser for education and communication with the National Academy of Sciences.
But Gallup polls consistently show that nearly half of American adults reject evolution. A third are upset that schools teach it, according to Gallup.
Several states, including South Carolina and Pennsylvania, have passed science standards requiring students to think critically about evolution.
Ms. Scott, of the science-education group, regards the academic-freedom bills as a more serious threat to evolution education because they give teachers so much latitude. "This is basically a get-out-of-jail-free card for creationist teachers," she said.
So far, few teachers have come forward in favor of these bills. The Florida Education Association, which represents 140,000 teachers, opposes the concept.
Doug Cowan, a public-school biology teacher, said his colleagues are often afraid to speak out.
Mr. Cowan said he tells students: "I'm going to give you the evidence for evolution and the evidence against, and let you decide." For instance, he'll mention Darwin's observation that finches evolve different-shaped beaks to suit different ecosystems. Then he'll add that you don't see a finch changing into another species.
Asked what evidence he presents to bolster evolution, Mr. Cowan paused. "I don't have any," he said.
Mr. Cowan's principal said that teachers are not supposed to veer from the approved textbooks. That's why Mr. Cowan would like a legal guarantee he can teach as he sees fit.
"This is America," Mr. Cowan said. "My gosh. Why walk on eggshells?"
Write to Stephanie Simon at stephanie.simon@wsj.com
Reposted from:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120967537476060561.html
Pressure Hits States
For Education Bills;
A National Push
By STEPHANIE SIMON
May 2, 2008; Page A10
They have spent years working school boards, with only minimal success. Now critics of evolution are turning to a higher authority: state legislators.
In a bid to shape biology lessons, they are promoting what they call "academic freedom" bills that would encourage or require public-school teachers to cast doubt on a cornerstone of modern science.
A handful of states have considered such bills in recent years, but backers are now organizing a national movement, with high-profile help from actor Ben Stein. His new documentary, "Expelled," argues that educators suffer reprisals if they dare question evolution; in an attempt to spur action, he has held private screenings for legislators, including a recent showing in the Missouri statehouse.
The academic-freedom bills now in circulation vary in detail. Some require teachers to critique evolution. Others let educators choose their approach -- but guarantee they won't be disciplined should they decide to build a case against Darwin.
The common goal: To expose more students to articles and videos that undercut evolution. Most of this material is produced by advocates of intelligent design or Biblical creationism, the belief that God created man in his present form.
"The creationist legal strategy has gotten more and more sophisticated," said Eugenie Scott, director of the National Center for Science Education, a nonprofit that promotes the teaching of evolution.
Both houses of the Florida legislature passed academic freedom bills this month, but it is unclear whether backers can reconcile the two versions before the spring session closes Friday. If not, they will have to try again next year. Prospects may be better in Louisiana, where the state Senate this week unanimously approved a bill ensuring that teachers can go beyond the biology textbook to raise criticisms of evolution. Similar bills have just been introduced in Alabama and Michigan and this week passed through a house committee in Missouri.
"It shouldn't be a crime for teachers to give the best evidence for evolutionary theory and then, if they want, spend a day saying, 'Some people are raising questions,'" said John West, a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute.
The nonprofit institute, based in Seattle, promotes the theory that life was created by an unknown designer, possibly divine. It recently launched a petition drive to spur more states to take up such bills.
The legislative push builds on an emerging strategy developed by conservative Christians who consider evolution ungodly and a small group of scientists who find it implausible.
Over the last decade, these skeptics tried repeatedly to push Darwin out of -- or wedge alternatives to evolution into -- public-school science curricula. Those efforts largely failed, rebuffed by the courts or rejected by voters.
So activists regrouped. Their new tactic: Embrace lessons on evolution. In fact, insist students deserve to learn more -- including classes that probe the theory for weakness. They believe -- and their opponents agree -- that this approach will prove more acceptable to the public and harder to challenge in court.
Those promoting the new bills emphasize that academic freedom doesn't mean biology teachers can read aloud from the Book of Genesis. "This doesn't bring religion into the classroom," said Florida state Rep. D. Alan Hays, a Republican.
The bills typically restrict lessons to "scientific" criticism of evolution, or require that critiques be presented "in an objective manner," or approved by a local school board.
Evolution's defenders respond that there are no credible scientific critiques of evolution, any more than there are credible alternatives to the theory of gravity. The fossil record, DNA analysis and observations of natural selection confirm Darwin's hypothesis that all life on Earth evolved from a common ancestor over four billion years.
In the scientific community, while there may be debate about the details, the grand sweep of evolution is unassailable. "There's no controversy," said Jay Labov, a senior adviser for education and communication with the National Academy of Sciences.
But Gallup polls consistently show that nearly half of American adults reject evolution. A third are upset that schools teach it, according to Gallup.
Several states, including South Carolina and Pennsylvania, have passed science standards requiring students to think critically about evolution.
Ms. Scott, of the science-education group, regards the academic-freedom bills as a more serious threat to evolution education because they give teachers so much latitude. "This is basically a get-out-of-jail-free card for creationist teachers," she said.
So far, few teachers have come forward in favor of these bills. The Florida Education Association, which represents 140,000 teachers, opposes the concept.
Doug Cowan, a public-school biology teacher, said his colleagues are often afraid to speak out.
Mr. Cowan said he tells students: "I'm going to give you the evidence for evolution and the evidence against, and let you decide." For instance, he'll mention Darwin's observation that finches evolve different-shaped beaks to suit different ecosystems. Then he'll add that you don't see a finch changing into another species.
Asked what evidence he presents to bolster evolution, Mr. Cowan paused. "I don't have any," he said.
Mr. Cowan's principal said that teachers are not supposed to veer from the approved textbooks. That's why Mr. Cowan would like a legal guarantee he can teach as he sees fit.
"This is America," Mr. Cowan said. "My gosh. Why walk on eggshells?"
Write to Stephanie Simon at stephanie.simon@wsj.com
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Posted: Saturday, May 3, 2008 | PermalinkComments 1 - 50 of 126 |
Reload Comments | Back to Top | Page Numbers2. Comment #174759 by moderndaythomas on May 3, 2008 at 12:26 pm
the state Senate this week unanimously approved a bill ensuring that teachers can go beyond the biology textbook to raise criticisms of evolution
Lets just start teaching our kids from the new age section of the library while we're at it.
When they go beyond the textbooks they can tell them what ever they damn well please.
And that scares the shit out of me!
Other Comments by moderndaythomas
3. Comment #174761 by rotaTOR on May 3, 2008 at 12:30 pm
This idiocy will never end.
Asked what evidence he presents to bolster evolution, Mr. Cowan paused. "I don't have any," he said
uggh
Other Comments by rotaTOR
4. Comment #174763 by moderndaythomas on May 3, 2008 at 12:33 pm
a small group of scientists who find it implausible.
implausible compared to what? Spontaneous generation?
What kind of money are these "scientists" (my ass) getting payed to say this?
Has their minds been twisted into the very thing that science cautions us about?
"This is America," Mr. Cowan said.
Other Comments by moderndaythomas
5. Comment #174766 by akado on May 3, 2008 at 12:36 pm
*sigh*
...everyday we have to deal with these creationist morons interupting our life......
it sickens me to no end -________-
Other Comments by akado
6. Comment #174768 by jmrunning3 on May 3, 2008 at 12:44 pm
"Several states have passed science standards requiring students to think critically about evolution."Why can't we require (legally or academically) people to think critically about religions and their tenets and teachings as well? Why are we chastised when we do actually criticize and critique religons and their practices?
The unquestioned privilege afforded religion is utterly baffling to me. Religions say they want to have "open dialog" with those that disagree with them, yet they strive to tilt the playing field strictly in their favor. They continue to court (in fact, manufacture) controversy and play the poor-little-me victim to garner support. Lying for Jesus. Indeed.
Other Comments by jmrunning3
7. Comment #174769 by Border Collie on May 3, 2008 at 12:46 pm
This is why I no longer teach. A teacher is just supposed to teach the dogma of the state and stick exactly to the text? Why even have teachers? Let the kids stay at home and do it all over the Internet. And, a whole bunch of idiots agree on something and decide what is scientifically true? Since when is truth a result of a democratic voting process? OK, let's all vote that the Earth is flat. Does that make it flat? I reiterate for the zillionth time ... If you want to learn about ID/cretinism (short for creationism), GO TO CHURCH! There is already enough idiocy and backward thrust in the schools; they don't need ID, creationism, voodoo, animal sacrifices, flat Earth "science", Bigfoot, the Loch Ness monster and or alien abduction! Or, I guess we could lobby the legislators to pass laws so that Darwinists can go into the churches and teach evolution every Sunday morning. This crap makes me so tired.Other Comments by Border Collie
8. Comment #174771 by Mango on May 3, 2008 at 12:48 pm
My Louisiana state representative is on the education committee and I sent her an email to let her know that I oppose the "academic freedom" bill. Other Comments by Mango
9. Comment #174775 by moderndaythomas on May 3, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I guess we could lobby the legislators to pass laws so that Darwinists can go into the churches and teach evolution every Sunday morning.
This is a good idea!
I like it, i'm going to use it I think.
Other Comments by moderndaythomas
10. Comment #174776 by phil rimmer on May 3, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Mr. Cowan would like a legal guarantee he can teach as he sees fit.
But sadly, Mr Cowan is not fit to teach. He should be sent to learn about evolution if he is required to teach it and is not appropriately qualified.
I would like to see a pro-active program of teacher training in these matters. Get enlightened religious leaders to endorse the program if necessary. Or Francis Collins or that other religious biologist.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW_2lLG9EZM&feature=related
America will go down the toilet because of this. Its main commercial competitors are pulling ahead in the education race. Much as I have a fondness for the Amish (OK, Kelly McGillis looking over her shoulder) I would hate to see the entire country slip into quaint irrelevancy.
Other Comments by phil rimmer
11. Comment #174782 by lozzer on May 3, 2008 at 1:33 pm
If the United states of Jesus want to reject science then let them.Lets just hope every scientist bloody leaves and see how America survives without those that they have ridiculed and bullied for so long. Other Comments by lozzer
12. Comment #174787 by busterbrook on May 3, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I do not live in the USA.But never the less it is of great concern to me that the only super power should be turning bit by bit into a theocratic country with over half the population rejecting science and reason to blindly adhear to a faith.
Other Comments by busterbrook
13. Comment #174788 by robotaholic on May 3, 2008 at 1:55 pm
There is no end to this is there? *sighs* Every possible angle of hyjacking science is being pursued. You have to be a Pro-Science ACTIVIST just to keep science in this country.Other Comments by robotaholic
14. Comment #174789 by Dinah on May 3, 2008 at 2:11 pm
The Catholic Church placed Galileo under house arrest because his discoveries conflicted with passages from the Bible which stated the sun orbited the earth and not the other way around. Four hundred years later, a sizeable number of Christians still believe that myths contained in ancient texts written by people who knew nothing about science carry more weight and should override observable facts about evolution and the origins of life. Worse still, they believe these myths should be taught in classrooms, not as part of RE lessons, but as serious science. It is the equivalent of today's students of medicine being taught that blood-letting is an effective way to cure disease, and no doubt if this practice was endorsed by the Bible, some crackpot Christians would be lobbying for its inclusion in the curricula of medical schools.Other Comments by Dinah
15. Comment #174793 by Mitchell Gilks on May 3, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Oh the humanity!! Won't someone please think of the childred? Other Comments by Mitchell Gilks
16. Comment #174797 by ivellios on May 3, 2008 at 2:41 pm
FUCK!!! I live in Missouri!I'm definitely going to have to give a call to my friend. He's my Senator.
Other Comments by ivellios
17. Comment #174798 by Partisan on May 3, 2008 at 2:45 pm
The bills typically restrict lessons to "scientific" criticism of evolution...
I'm fine with that, as there are no scientific criticisms.
Other Comments by Partisan
18. Comment #174799 by jhm on May 3, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Could these academic freedoms be used to teach archaeological evidence that very little of the "history" found in the bible is even remotely accurate? If it can't even get the things that were happening in and around the original writing of the the books, why is it that anyone should credit their more wildly implausible claims? Other Comments by jhm
19. Comment #174811 by Pattern Seeker on May 3, 2008 at 3:20 pm
It is exactly because of IDiots like Doug Cowan that my child will not, I repeat, not be educated in the American public school system. As a forty-year old, I saw standards crumbling back when I attended high school in the early 80's. I have watched those standards slowly, but surely, fall to new lows. I won't let my child be taught by a moron. In fact, he probably won't encounter a formal education until, or even if, he attends college. I want my kid to 'think critically,' and not to 'think biblically.' Other Comments by Pattern Seeker
20. Comment #174814 by MPhil on May 3, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Just because I want to get everyone's attention - I'm posting this on every active thread (I hope you'll forgive me)Guys - take a look at this...
The Vatican has joined forces with Shiite Muslims.
Ridiculous statements, and a direct attack on negative religious freedom:
(be warned - you may throw up in your mouths)
http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=88070
If any local newspaper of yours runs this story - send a letter to the editor for publishment. Put it on your blogs and tear it to shreads... raise awareness that this is a dangerous alliance, and a large-scale attack on negative religious freedom, freedom of speech - and it is ludicoursly revisionist history!
Other Comments by MPhil
21. Comment #174816 by Logicel on May 3, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Both houses of the Florida legislature passed academic freedom bills this month, but it is unclear whether backers can reconcile the two versions before the spring session closes Friday._____
The Florida bill did not make it, it has been successfully squashed: http://www.flascience.org/wp/?p=574
IDiots are so full of hubris and self-importance that they will not let go of their dangerous meddling (if scientists and science teachers leave America for the many excellent countries that have no problem with keeping religion out of science classes, then these IDiots' standard of living will lessen). They can't just practice their religious beliefs in church, they are so full of pride and so insecure in their beliefs that they have to cast totally unfounded doubts upon the fact of evolution.
These IDiots only increase the drive and motivation of the rationality based people to keep fighting until the IDiots are so weakened in base support that they eventually will cease their wasting everybody's else precious time.
Pharyngula is keeping on top of all the state bills so check there to keep on top of this fight. And don't get discouraged--the IDiots persistance is only a sign of their desperation--the tide will turn in America.
Other Comments by Logicel
22. Comment #174819 by Hostile2012 on May 3, 2008 at 3:31 pm
When will this bologna end? Next, creationists will be forcing the theories dealing with chemistry and physics out of the class rooms. Then forcing our doctors to put spells on patients and finally we'll be back in the dark ages.Other Comments by Hostile2012
23. Comment #174821 by MelM on May 3, 2008 at 3:34 pm
The Florida legislative session ended yesterday with NO ACADEMIC FREEDOM BILL. There's a good deal of talk about Florida and the problem in Louisiana (including a post by PZ of a message from Barbara Forrest) today on Panda's Thumb:http://pandasthumb.org/
Other Comments by MelM
24. Comment #174822 by SteveO on May 3, 2008 at 3:36 pm
A teacher's stance on evolution ought to be enough to disqualify them from being allowed to teach. No matter what the courts tell them they must present, creationist teachers will always slant their presentation of evolution. Other Comments by SteveO
25. Comment #174823 by moderndaythomas on May 3, 2008 at 3:37 pm
From MPhil.
A tag team of fools. The Vatican and Iranian delegations condemning "deversion of religious beliefs"
They are sacred and should not be questioned or ridiculed?
What do they say about absolute power?
Other Comments by moderndaythomas
26. Comment #174824 by History_Junky on May 3, 2008 at 3:40 pm
"So activists regrouped. Their new tactic: Embrace lessons on evolution. In fact, insist students deserve to learn more -- including classes that probe the theory for weakness. They believe -- and their opponents agree -- that this approach will prove more acceptable to the public and harder to challenge in court."If high school kids had the knowledge to probe something as concrete as evolution for holes then they wouldn't be taking a senior class on biology.
Other Comments by History_Junky
27. Comment #174826 by History_Junky on May 3, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Do you know what the most horrifying thing is? These nutjobs have more zeal then the defenders of evolution, thier is more of them and they are driven by an insatiable thirst to serve thier master. I can honestly say that I see this "controversy" being introduced into classes within the next 30 years. Yes its against the constitution but the constitution has been overlooked before. Also too many of Americas politicians are christian nutbags.Other Comments by History_Junky
28. Comment #174827 by moderndaythomas on May 3, 2008 at 3:45 pm
"So activists regrouped. Their new tactic: Embrace lessons on evolution. In fact, insist students deserve to learn more -- including classes that probe the theory for weakness. They believe -- and their opponents agree -- that this approach will prove more acceptable to the public and harder to challenge in court."
If creationists feel the need to probe established scientific theories, they should begin with gravity and jump off a ten story building.
Other Comments by moderndaythomas
29. Comment #174829 by will young on May 3, 2008 at 3:49 pm
My state of Oklahoma is going through this for the second time in two years. The bill, if passed, would "guarantee students the right to express their religious viewpoints in a public forum, in class, in homework and in other ways without being penalized. If a student's religious beliefs were in conflict with scientific theory, and the student chose to express those beliefs rather than explain the theory in response to an exam question, the student's incorrect response would be deemed satisfactory." -- Dave McNeely, The Edmond Sun, Sat, May 03 2008.The bill is expected to pass the House and then go on to the Senate.
Other Comments by will young
30. Comment #174831 by BW022 on May 3, 2008 at 3:51 pm
So what... I know it is a massive waste of time, but why not let them? This can't go far.If individual teachers are shielded from teaching nonsense oppositions to theories, then
a) Teachers "protest" by sending students home with sylabuses informing them of their intent to teach stork theory to oppose sex education, ether theory instead of electomagnatism, flat-earth theory in geography, etc. Parents and school boards can't do anything. About 2 weeks of that an the laws will be overtuned.
b) Parents start demanding to know the views of their children's teachers and demand transfers when their teacher starts teaching nonsense. You'll have either a two-tier'd public education system or folks with sense will move to private schools or to states which don't have such laws.
c) Universities, other schools, businesses, etc. will stop accepting course credits from such schools. Teachers will leave to other states or private schools. Businesses will start highering out of state folks or relocating.
d) The legal fall out of a), b), and c) will kill such laws.
Ultimately, even if they get their little "religious utopias" it won't help. Even if parents allow it, folks else where will just stop accepting accidemic credentials.
Other Comments by BW022
31. Comment #174832 by ~manic-depressive on May 3, 2008 at 3:55 pm
History_Junky -- as Bertrand Russell pointed out, the whole problem with the world is that fools are so certain while the wise are full of doubts.
On a different note, we could really do with the help of theists like Ken Miller.
And all the moderates who criticize "the new atheists" by saying that we only look at "extremist religion" (as though "faith" were not extremist enough) -- why are they not cleaning up their own house? Are they defending scientific inquiry alongside us? Or are they, as they so-often-do turning a blind eye to the actions of "extremists"?
Other Comments by ~manic-depressive
32. Comment #174833 by OhioLen on May 3, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I'm half inclined to say "to hell with it, let them teach their nonsense instead of hard science." Then when the USA's economy collapses because we can't keep up with the rest of the world, maybe these morons will get a clue. Reality doesn't care what their religious beliefs are, but it might take reality to demonstrate it.
Other Comments by OhioLen
33. Comment #174834 by Christopher Davis on May 3, 2008 at 4:01 pm
This almost makes ME want to pray...pray that teachers like Doug Cowan are the minority.Even though the bills failed in Florida, I'm sure that the IDers will get more than one through in some state (my home state of Alabama seems likely).
When they do, I suggest that teachers do exactly what the IDers want and teach the "critiques" of evolution...teach why they are wrong.
I believe that a biology teacher with a good understanding of evolution and a little creativity could easily present an argument against evolution, de-construct that argument, and in the process of showing why that argument is flawed provide a better understanding of how evolution actually works.
A really smart teacher could even use this tactic to provide his/her students with a better understanding of statistics, probabilities, rhetoric, and the process of critical thinking. This is what I hope to do if I can get a job teaching high school when I get home from this deployment.
Unfortunately, I think I might be a bit optimistic. I am reminded everyday that the Doug Cowans of the world outnumber people like me ten-to-one.
Other Comments by Christopher Davis
34. Comment #174835 by will young on May 3, 2008 at 4:03 pm
"So what... I know it is a massive waste of time, but why not let them? This can't go far."You don't live in the south do you? Some teachers would relish the chance to do a little preaching, along with teaching. Not to mention that this is blatantly unconstitutional.
I have grandchildren in public schools and I want them to get the best education possible and not be confused by ignorance and superstition, if even briefly.
Other Comments by will young
35. Comment #174841 by AoClay on May 3, 2008 at 4:19 pm
This is America where there is a separation of church and state.This is America where we very well may have the best scientists in the world.
This is America where people have every right to look up what the scientific method is and how free speech has nothing to do with it. These idiots using the first amendment, the cornerstone of which is freedom from religion, is unAmerican.
This is America where we look down at propaganda.
I really thought the Dover Trial would end this, silly me.
Other Comments by AoClay
36. Comment #174847 by troyreynolds86 on May 3, 2008 at 4:37 pm
To expand on BW022's thought, it would certainly appear that an education freedom bill would permit a teacher to impose whatever conviction they happened to hold upon the students. We could have Holocaust deniers teaching history, health teachers teaching that AIDS was a CIA creation for racial and homosexual suppression and every other conspiracy theory whackjob and nutcase given full reign over young minds without a single legal right retained by the school to ensure a quality and factual education. All because some people's faith can't handle a small dose of reality.I read a news article this morning about the problems the United States was suffering from rising gas prices, and one gentleman, referring to our increased urban sprawl and total lack of public transportation infrastructure, he replied with, "We dug our own hole." Well, if we Americans allow this degradation of our educational system to continue, and when the only thing that remains on these shores is the memory of the superpower that was and is no more, I will have only one possible reaction. We dug our own hole. Makes one wonder to which we are more attached, our prosperity or our superstitions.
Troy
Other Comments by troyreynolds86
37. Comment #174848 by noamzur on May 3, 2008 at 4:41 pm
On one hand this makes me proud not to be an American and to live in Europe. On the other hand, the utter stupidity of this is absolutely outraging and I am afraid that like many other things this will soon be exported out of the USA. And this sort of "tribalism" to which I just voluntarily admitted to be guilty of doesn't help us further. I guess organizing atheists, Brights, the "reality-based population", or whatever other title we chose to give ourselves really is like herding cats, but if we don't do it for this cause, then we are going to lose the war and not only a few battles!Other Comments by noamzur
38. Comment #174849 by ThoughtsonCommonToad on May 3, 2008 at 4:42 pm
This is America where we look down at propaganda.
My computer will never be the same I just sprayed my tea all over the screen.
Other Comments by ThoughtsonCommonToad
39. Comment #174851 by ThoughtsonCommonToad on May 3, 2008 at 4:45 pm
will youngIf a student's religious beliefs were in conflict with scientific theory, and the student chose to express those beliefs rather than explain the theory in response to an exam question, the student's incorrect response would be deemed satisfactory."
What is defined as religion; Can I just make my own up? And of course this means teachers will have to know for every single question what particular 'religious' viewpoints there are on the matter. You said this expects to get passed, surely that can't be true?
Other Comments by ThoughtsonCommonToad
40. Comment #174853 by RationalistHomeTchr on May 3, 2008 at 4:50 pm
I may have mentioned this on another thread before (it upset me so much!), but I knew a science teacher who told me that dinosaurs lived during the time when the Earth was "formless and void" -- before God said "let there be light"!!! This from a science teacher at a public junior high school!!!(I live in the U.S. Where else, huh?)
Other Comments by RationalistHomeTchr
41. Comment #174855 by ThoughtsonCommonToad on May 3, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I don't know many people who receive a good education in High School. I think ultimately everyone is a autodidact.Other Comments by ThoughtsonCommonToad
42. Comment #174859 by mandrellian on May 3, 2008 at 5:02 pm
I can't believe this is happening in the land of Harvard & Yale - the country that put men on the moon fercrissakes! But then, it's also the land of Dubya, Jerry Springer and monster-truck driving polygamists...Troy, what that gentleman said is bang-on. There are already serious health & economic crises in the US (not to mention the current lack of credibility & trust internationally) - add to that the black hole of mythological non-science education and the direction they're heading is not a good one. You can just foresee school graduates in a few years entering the world and feeling distinctly short-changed by their "education". I'm positive you'd get a better education in Cuba! And you wouldn't have to spend the rest of your life paying for it...
Other Comments by mandrellian
43. Comment #174870 by phasmagigas on May 3, 2008 at 5:21 pm
But never the less it is of great concern to me that the only super power should be turning bit by bit into a theocratic country with over half the population rejecting science and reason to blindly adhear to a faith.
you have to remember that the average person in america eats shit, listens to shit, watches shit, i have never met a single person here who knows what evolution is. the are more likey to be interested in oprahs latest diet.
It always pisses me off that somehow a public poll can add weight to this issue, most dont accept evolution through some critical thought processes but because like their inability to see a twinkie bar as the worthless piece of shit it is they have been exposed to evolution only in a religiously based negative sense, they have nothing else to base their answer (no) on. those who dont accept it quite simply have NO IDEA what it is and are scientifically illiterate to begin with, unfortunately schooling compounds this problem and if schooling IS the problem then its going to get worse because this shit could be in the schools. I wonder if americas 'golden years' are over?
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44. Comment #174875 by phasmagigas on May 3, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Mr. Cowan said he tells students: "I'm going to give you the evidence for evolution and the evidence against, and let you decide." For instance, he'll mention Darwin's observation that finches evolve different-shaped beaks to suit different ecosystems. Then he'll add that you don't see a finch changing into another species.
Unfit to teach biol, a disgrace. as has been said before 'your ignorance is not evidence', a pity the student parents arent clued up enough to realise what he said is nonsense, of course we dont 'see' finches changing in to other species, a classic piece of creationist nonsense.
when you consider the totality of a teachers workload which includes NOT passing over misconceptions to the kids, the fact that this ACTIVELY works to do just that is criminal.
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45. Comment #174886 by mmurray on May 3, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Does anyone know what is the standard of science education amongst teachers in the US? If that is low -- ie you have staff teaching science who don't understand it -- that will compound the problem because they won't be able to easily answer the students whose pastor's have sent them off to read AiG.Michael
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46. Comment #174888 by troyreynolds86 on May 3, 2008 at 6:11 pm
mandrellian,Students feeling short changed by a deficient education isn't what bothers me. What scares me far more is if they leave school and actually think that they know something. An ignorant person aware of his ignorance may make attempts to rectify the problem. An ignorant person ignorant of his ignorance is doomed. Sadly, the misinformed is equally as ignorant as the uninformed, but at least the uninformed has the ability to recognize their lack of knowledge. The misinformed is often without recourse, convinced that they possess the right answer. This is the danger I see in the United States. Far to many misinformed people lacking one ounce of skepticism to question their own positions. Sad.
Troy
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47. Comment #174893 by WilliamP on May 3, 2008 at 6:42 pm
I agree with Troy and others who have mentioned that this opens the floodgates for other crazy ideas in school. In fact, I hope the 9/11 conspiracy theorists, Holocaust deniers, and other screwballs come out of the woodwork and demand their right to academic freedom too.There has already been controversey about 9/11 conspiracy theorists being kicked out of univerisities. Their theory, and moon landing denial are just as valid as ID. I hope they all band together and seek their rights to fill kids' minds with nonsense.
After a few court battles that reveal just how vacuous their ideas are, and just how low the bar is being set by allowing ID into schools, lawmakers will have to think twice before allowing ID and not Holocaust denial. I doubt that courts would even allow equal time for one type of intellectual garbage, but not another type given the Dover case and the first amendment's ban on viewpoint discrimination.
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48. Comment #174898 by SPS on May 3, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Shouldn't actual scientists agree about evidence contrary to evolutionary theory and have their evidence scrutinized and pass peer review before it is taught in a classroom, rather than passing legislation that allows "classes that probe the theory for weakness"? This is another fraud promoted under the banner of 'freedom'.Opinion poll mentality should have no place in the teaching of science.
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49. Comment #174901 by appaZ on May 3, 2008 at 7:09 pm
For the benifit of the tape...Mr appaZ is shaking his head....and now, in a move not to dissimilar to that used by Mike Tyson, he has just chewed the dog ears off a bible.Other Comments by appaZ
50. Comment #174905 by Aquaria on May 3, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Does anyone know what is the standard of science education amongst teachers in the US? If that is low -- ie you have staff teaching science who don't understand it -- that will compound the problem because they won't be able to easily answer the students whose pastor's have sent them off to read AiG.
Standards? :::SNORT:::
There are no national standards. Each state determines its education policies and priorities. They establish minimum standards. In many (if not most) states, each school district within the state then determines if it will meet or exceed the standards.
And if a school doesn't meet the minimum, what then? Schools don't get closed down for not educating kids, so there's rarely any effort to make schools conform to the bare minimum standard. This is a real problem with inner-city and rural schools.
Then factor in how school boards (the people in charge of schools by district/state) are elected....
It's a mess. A total mess.
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1. Comment #174758 by Layla Nasreddin on May 3, 2008 at 12:25 pm
And they allow these people to teach in schools?!?
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