Friday, January 02, 2009

Final Texas Science Standards Draft is a Winner

From the Star-Telegram:

Educators removed the "weaknesses" phrase in their first draft of the science curriculum. After a public hearing that attracted more than 200 speakers, the phrase was back in the second draft, but "weaknesses" was changed to "limitations."

The third and final draft says students should be able to analyze and evaluate scientific explanations. There is also a new requirement that students should be able "to evaluate models according to their limitations in representing biological objects or events," but it would take a mind-boggling leap for anyone to interpret that as applying to evolution, [Dan] Quinn said, particularly when viewed through the plan’s new definition of science.

The only catch is that, despite what the final draft says, the board is not required to use it. On the other hand, given all of the publicity this has raised, if they don't use it, they will have to explain why and that would just raise more questions about their competence. I still think McLeroy ought to be asked to step down since he clearly knows little about science.

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