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An Evolutionary Change In Curriculum

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 26, 2007

It may come as a surprise to many people, but science standards for Florida public schools do not mention evolution. Fortunately, that's about to change.

Early next year the state Board of Education is expected to adopt standards that require evolution be taught.

The state considers evolution and biodiversity one of several 'big ideas' worthy of study, given the scientific evidence.

The revision comes partly in response to the state's failing grade two years ago for how it teaches life sciences and evolution.

'The superficiality of the treatment of evolutionary biology alone justifies the grade 'F,' ' the report said.

The new standard will likely face challenges from proponents of intelligent design. This theory suggests that since some things can't be explained, there must be an intelligent designer. It's a view that cannot be disproved.

Evolutionary science, on the other hand, has been tested and substantiated, modified and refined by succeeding generations of scientists. Advances in the biological sciences continue to pave the way for new hypotheses and tests. Evolution is a scientific fact.

The public will have a chance to comment in the next two months. Board members will hear from both sides in the science vs. religion debate.

But in the end, members should agree that religious faith should play no part in setting the standards for science education.

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