Ga. School Chief Puts 'Evolution' Back in Science

Thursday, February 05, 2004

ATLANTA — Georgia's school superintendent Thursday dropped plans to remove the word "evolution" (search) from the state's high school science curriculum.


"I will recommend to the teacher teams that the word 'evolution' be put back in the curriculum," Kathy Cox said in a statement.

Cox said she originally wanted to replace "evolution" with the phrase "biological changes over time" to avoid controversy.

"Instead, a greater controversy ensued," she said.

The proposal drew widespread criticism. Former President Carter (search) said it exposed the state to nationwide ridicule.

The proposed change was included in more than 800 pages of draft revisions to the curriculum posted last month on the Department of Education's Web site. The changes are scheduled to go before the state Board of Education for a vote in May.

"It was the right thing to do," said Gov. Sonny Perdue, a Republican, who had said he thought Cox should drop the proposed change. "As public officials, we don't have the luxury of thinking out loud; I believe that's what she was doing."

House Education Committee Chairman Bob Holmes, a Democrat from Atlanta, said Cox had little choice considering the widespread criticism the plan received.

"I'm glad she was responsive to the outcry, both by scientists and other political leaders who felt this was something completely unneccessary," Holmes said.

Some religious conservatives applauded Cox's proposal as a step toward teaching creationism in schools, while others said it changed little, since the concept of evolution would still be taught.

Cox, a Republican elected in 2002, repeatedly referred to evolution as a negative buzzword and said the ban was proposed, in part, to alleviate pressure on teachers in socially conservative areas where parents object to its teaching.

Under her proposal, the concept of evolution would have still been taught, but the word would not be used in the classroom. The proposal would not have required schools to buy new textbooks omitting the word evolution and would not have prevented teachers from using the word in class.


In retrospect the media did overhype the news story since the proposal was optional and was mere lip-service rather than any change in curriculum, but I'm biased towards this kind of hype

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Retro ...

You see, stuff like this confirms to me that there is a God!

I love it when common sense eventually prevails.

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Whence September dusk grows crisper still,
with leaves all crimson conquered,
I yearn to shout,
and dance about,
and stick pickles in my honker...

quote:

Originally posted by MisterOpus1 You see, stuff like this confirms to me that there is a God! I love it when common sense eventually prevails.

So you're saying that someone who doesn't believe in God has no common sense?

quote:

Originally posted by mcleod So you're saying that someone who doesn't believe in God has no common sense?

No. It's partially an inside joke. The teachings of creationism in a science class lacks common sense. If you want to teach that, do so in a faith-based or religious tutelage class.

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Retro ...

quote:

Originally posted by occrider No. It's partially an inside joke. The teachings of creationism in a science class lacks common sense. If you want to teach that, do so in a faith-based or religious tutelage class.

Well since most of the state of Kansas lacked common sense for about 4 years, I would say that your conjecture is correct.

(For those of you who don't know what I speak of, Kansas had state mandated "Creation Science" education for a number of years in the late 1990's into 2000)

MrS

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-"Reality" is the only word in the language that should always be used in quotes.

quote:

Originally posted by MrSquirrel Well since most of the state of Kansas lacked common sense for about 4 years, I would say that your conjecture is correct. (For those of you who don't know what I speak of, Kansas had state mandated "Creation Science" education for a number of years in the late 1990's into 2000) MrS

Thanks for that painful ****ing reminder.

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Whence September dusk grows crisper still,
with leaves all crimson conquered,
I yearn to shout,
and dance about,
and stick pickles in my honker...