Friday, November 07, 2008

Creationism in the English Classrooms

A new poll suggest that almost a third of school teachers in England favor teaching creationism in the classroom. The story in the Guardian continues:

Most controversially, 29% said they either disagreed or strongly disagreed with the government's guidelines on teaching evolution which states that "creationism and intelligent design are not part of the science national curriculum programmes of study and should not be taught as science". Fifty-three per cent agreed or strongly agreed with the statement.

Thirty-one per cent of respondents and 18% of the 248 science teachers in the sample said they thought creationism or intelligent design should be given the same status as evolution in the classroom, although this question did not specify whether it was referring to science lessons or the curriculum in general. Twenty-two respondents said they had been pressured to teach creationism or intelligent design by their school.

I find this surprising in a country that is, at least in appearance, so secular in nature. This seems at odds with other trends in the country. It could be, as Michael Reiss pointed out, a world view as much as anything. More work to be done. Be sure to watch the link embedded in the story. It is a bit long but worth it.

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