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State Panel Skips Talk On Science Lessons

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By MICHELE SAGER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 12, 2007

Updated: 12/12/2007 12:15 am

TAMPA - State education leaders wouldn't discuss controversial proposed science standards for Florida public schools at a meeting Tuesday, even after a group of parents drove 200 miles to Tampa to give input.

Parents from Jacksonville said they were told they would be given time to speak at the State Board of Education meeting about proposed changes to the state's science curriculum. Late Monday, state leaders told the women otherwise.

The state is considering changes to its science standards to follow Darwin's theory of evolution. But these mothers are concerned about creating an "evolution exclusive" curriculum.

"We're not pushing for creationism," parent Kim Kendall said. "But we want other theories to be taught that fall within the law."

Kendall said her group is most concerned that the state is not properly advertising public meetings on the proposed standards and is ignoring public input.

"It's very frustrating because we just want our chance to speak," she said. "We just want to get the word out so others know this issue is out there."
Education Commissioner Eric Smith said Tuesday's meeting, the first he had presided over since becoming commissioner, was not the proper forum.

"We have upcoming meetings where people will get their chance to discuss this issue at length," he said.

Though some previous town hall meetings were canceled, two are scheduled in January, in Jacksonville and Miami. People also can visit the Web site flstandards.org to review the proposed changes and comment on them.

Donna Callaway, a member of the State Board of Education, sparked a fury of debate with her recent comments to a religious newspaper. She told the Florida Baptist Witness that evolution should be taught but not "to the exclusion of other theories of origins of life."

Some critics have said her comments were inappropriate for someone who works on behalf of the public education system. Callaway said she hasn't paid attention to the reaction and that her feelings on the issue are well-documented.

The State Board of Education did briefly discuss the schedule for reviewing and implementing state standards. Revisions to math, science, physical education and health standards should be completed in 2008. The state plans to take three years to fully implement the new standards.

But board member Kathleen Shanahan expressed concern that changing that many standards at once would put a huge burden on school districts. Smith said more review will go into the implementation schedule.

In other action, the board:

•Approved annual school improvement plans for failing schools.

•Approved legislative priorities for 2008.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 865-4843 or msager@tampatrib.com.

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